The Refuge Men’s Residential
Addiction Recovery Program
Progressing In Four Phases Throughout 13 Months
The Refuge Men’s Residential Addiction Recovery Program progresses in four phases throughout 13 months and is offered to you free of charge if accepted. You must be at least 18 years old. Through our men’s program, The Refuge provides you the safe place and process to address and overcome the underlying issues fueling your addictive behavior.
The Refuge knows how to assist you in going from active addiction to becoming a responsible and productive citizen who can go on to serve as a light to your family and community.
Once in our program, you will reside initially at our 138-acre farm in Lancaster on both a full and part-time basis for the first five months. You will then live at our properties in Columbus for the remaining eight months you are in The Refuge. The Refuge men’s program centers on our Process for Transformational Change. This process and our program you will be going through is Christ-centered, work-based, and peer-supported.
When you complete The Refuge’s four-phase, 13-month residential program you will possess more than one year clean and sober, a relationship with Christ, full-time employment producing a living wage, safe and affordable housing, reliable transportation, meaningful community connections, and a new network of friends bonded by common circumstance.
Learn About The Process
Select An Option
Phase 1
Discovery
30-45 days.
The “Discovery Phase” is set on a secluded 100+ acre property in Lancaster, Ohio. In Phase 1, we desire to be a safe place for every man to discover God and experience unconditional love and acceptance.
Safe environment, free from drugs/alcohol and other distractions
Structured and secluded environment
Development opportunities for mind, body, and spirit
Personal development small groups
Comprehensive, individual plan for personal growth based on biblical study
No outside contact is permitted, so that the men can focus on growing personally and with Christ.
Phase 2
Relational
4 months
The “Relational Phase” consists of four months split between Lancaster, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio. Here, men begin to develop an intimate relationship with God as well as learning to trust and rely on each other.
Focus on relationships – with God, himself, others, and God’s creation.
Regular emphasis on the study of God’s Word, praise and worship, serving, giving, curriculum, and connecting to the body of Christ beyond the Refuge.
Relational growth is focused on sacrifice, discipleship, brotherhood, conflict resolution, and submitting to authority/peer evaluation in regards to our 7 Principles.
One on one counseling focused on discovering how God created him uniquely and redeeming his story to use as a vehicle to serve the Lord.
Gradual transition back into a work environment to learn responsibility, commitment, and dignity
The restoration process with friends and family begins slowly and gently through weekly phone calls, letter writing and a once a month in-person visit at Family Day.
Phase 3
Application
4 months
The “Application Phase”, is the next four months of commitment and is located in Columbus, Ohio. Here, the process more closely resembles what most would consider “regular life”. Men work 35-40 hours per week and have much more freedom to make choices, while still under the authority and obeying the rules of the Refuge.
Men work 35-40 hours per week, paying for the majority of their way through the ministry and investing in the men behind them
Make a small monthly stipend to start saving or spending as they choose
Engaged in the local church and community, especially in the Franklinton/Hilltop areas of Columbus
Volunteer coaches meet with the men weekly to walk alongside them as they begin to prepare for life after the Refuge
May begin making monthly home visits
Phone calls still permitted, along with weekend home visits every two weeks.
Phase 4
The Launch
4 months
The “Launch” rounds out the final 4 months of a man’s 13-month commitment. The focus is on preparing men to return to society as responsible men of God, with a developed life plan and ongoing support. Men are given more autonomy than anywhere else in the ministry, while they also have more responsibility – to serve the community and the church, to pour back into the men behind them, and to set a good example for all the men in Phases 1-3. We raise up these men as leaders in the ministry, so that they can also learn to lead in their homes, churches, and communities as responsible men of God.
Men continue to hold a full-time job through partnering employers.
Begin building a life plan and career portfolio that will help them find gainful employment before leaving the ministry.
Connect with a long term mentor for personal growth and development
Freedom is given but responsibility and accountability are key
May begin making monthly home visits
Phone calls and bi-weekly home visits still permitted, along with additional freedom the last month of the ministry to figure out housing and transportation needs.
Success Stories
"This has been one of the best years of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
- Andrew
"The miracles that happen in The Refuge are undeniable."
- Josh
"Relying on God more."
- Dustin
"There is hope."
- Nate
Our Mission
To change the lives of men affected by addiction through Christ.
Our Purpose
To lead men from active addiction to becoming fully recovered, responsible citizens who move forward and make a new beginning towards lives defined by new beliefs, values, and purpose.
Our Vision
To inspire fully recovered and responsible men of God who go on to live Christ-centered lives of Christian responsibility and purpose and bring still others to Christ.