Refuge Refuge serves children and their caregivers who have experienced complex trauma through counseling, caregiver support, and education.

Refuge works to prevent childhood exposure to violence and abuse through direct therapeutic work with families, supportive services for child-serving organizations, and community-wide prevention education. All services are free of charge to families and are fully sponsored through the generous support of private donors and grants. Refuge uses evidence-based treatment models which incorporate indiv

idual, family, and group therapy to address each family's unique needs and strengths. Because Refuge acknowledges that therapy alone is not sufficient to bring about healing and change, each family's treatment plan also includes education, support, and referrals to other community services to provide holistic and comprehensive care. Our primary focus is on children from birth to 11 years old, as they are the age groups with the biggest gap in violence prevention and intervention services in Madison County. Refuge is also committed to increasing support and protection for families throughout the community. As such, Refuge provides parenting classes, school-based services, community education, consultation, and professional support to enhance the entire community's capacity to support families dealing with abuse and violence.

Today, we are incredibly honored to celebrate our very own Erin, our amazing Executive Director, for receiving the Pione...
05/27/2026

Today, we are incredibly honored to celebrate our very own Erin, our amazing Executive Director, for receiving the Pioneer Award at the RiverBend Growth Association Chamber Choice Awards! ๐Ÿ’œ

Erinโ€™s passion, leadership, and unwavering heart for children and families continue to shape our mission every single day, and we could not be more proud to see her recognized in such a meaningful way.

We also want to give a heartfelt thank you to the many board members who took time out of their day to come support Erin and Refuge: Joe, Captain Adam Connor, Erika, Jessica, Teresa, Barry, and Tawnya Hooper (not pictured).

This recognition is a reflection of an incredible community that continues to believe in us and walk alongside us in our mission.

We are so grateful!!๐Ÿ’œ Thank YOU!

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed on Monday, May 25. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26. โค๏ธ
05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed on Monday, May 25. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26. โค๏ธ

SO PROUD of our Executive Director, Erin, for receiving this well-deserved award! ๐Ÿ’œHer heart, leadership, and passion fo...
05/20/2026

SO PROUD of our Executive Director, Erin, for receiving this well-deserved award! ๐Ÿ’œ

Her heart, leadership, and passion for children and families shine through everything she does. We are so grateful to have her leading us

Join us in recognizing Erin Bickle, recipient of the Pioneer Award, for her dedication to serving others and creating meaningful impact throughout our community.

A recipient of the 2023 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, Erin believes her faith and calling have guided her path of service through countless volunteer efforts. In 2014, she founded Refuge and continues to serve as its Executive Director, helping make a difference in the lives of so many.

Join us as we celebrate leadership, vision, and individuals who are helping shape a stronger RiverBend community.
There is still time to get your tickets.

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, May 27, 2026
โฐ 11:00 AM โ€“ 1:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4jmjxXw

Gaye and Barry have done it again! ๐Ÿ’œWe are SO grateful for their generosity in purchasing snacks and small food items fo...
05/14/2026

Gaye and Barry have done it again! ๐Ÿ’œ

We are SO grateful for their generosity in purchasing snacks and small food items for our kids!!

For many children, having a snack before session makes a big difference. Sometimes kids come in hungry, tired, or straight from a long school day, and something as simple as a snack can help them feel cared for, settled, and ready to begin. ๐ŸŒŸ

Want to help keep our snack cabinet stocked?! We would be so thankful! You can purchase snacks and drop them off at Refuge. To coordinate a drop-off, please call 618-251-9790 ext. 231. ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿคฉ

Thank you, Gaye and Barry, for continuing to show up for kids and families in such a thoughtful and practical way. ๐Ÿ’œ

This past week, we had the incredible honor of welcoming Gaelin Speaks for a unique collaboration centered around resili...
05/06/2026

This past week, we had the incredible honor of welcoming Gaelin Speaks for a unique collaboration centered around resilience, belonging, and community. ๐ŸŒŸ

On night one, Gaelin poured into biological parents during a special Parent Night, creating space for encouragement, honest conversation, and support for the families we serve.

On night two, he shared his story and message with our community at our Build a Refuge Fundraising Dinner, reminding us all of the life-changing impact one loving adult, meaningful relationships, and a supportive community can have. His message on belonging, showing up for others, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported was incredibly powerful.

We are so grateful for the Madison County Mental Health Board and Gaye & Barry Julian for helping make this meaningful two-night collaboration possible. Because of their generosity, families, caregivers, and our broader community were able to experience a message that will continue to make an impact far beyond these two evenings. ๐Ÿ’œ

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Happy Birthday, Ellie! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’œOur sweet girl is turning 9 this year, and we couldnโ€™t love her more. Ellie brings so much joy,...
05/05/2026

Happy Birthday, Ellie! ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ’œ

Our sweet girl is turning 9 this year, and we couldnโ€™t love her more. Ellie brings so much joy, comfort, and love to Refuge, and we are so thankful for every tail wag, snuggle, and smile she shares with our kids, families, and team.

Help us wish her the happiest birthday! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿถ

We just had to share this! ๐Ÿ’™โœจTwo weeks ago, we wrapped up our spring TBRI group sessions, and our amazing volunteer, Meg...
05/04/2026

We just had to share this! ๐Ÿ’™โœจ

Two weeks ago, we wrapped up our spring TBRI group sessions, and our amazing volunteer, Megan, completely blew us away!!! ๐Ÿ‘

She created a TBRI Jeopardy game for the kids to play, helping them review what they learned in such a fun, creative, and meaningful way. And as if that wasnโ€™t thoughtful enough, she also prepared goodie bags for each of them!

Itโ€™s people like Megan who remind us just how powerful kindness, generosity, and showing up can be. We are so grateful for the time, heart, and creativity she poured into our kids.

Megan, thank you for making this group feel extra special! ๐Ÿ’™

HOPE IN FULL BLOOM ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ’œThat is exactly what this night felt like.We are so grateful for every sponsor who helped make this...
05/02/2026

HOPE IN FULL BLOOM ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ’œ

That is exactly what this night felt like.

We are so grateful for every sponsor who helped make this night possible, our incredible staff who poured their hearts into every detail and do this incredible work every day, everyone who joined us in the room, and Gaelin Speaks for sharing his powerful message of resilience, belonging, and community.

And a huge thank you to Crash EM for coming out and capturing these beautiful moments so perfectly. ๐Ÿ“ธ

Because of this community, hope is not just something we talk about. It is something we get to watch bloom!

THANK YOU!!! ๐Ÿคฉ

WOW. What an INCREDIBLE night at our Build a Refuge Fundraising Dinner! ๐ŸŒทBecause of this communityโ€™s generosity, we not ...
05/01/2026

WOW. What an INCREDIBLE night at our Build a Refuge Fundraising Dinner! ๐ŸŒท

Because of this communityโ€™s generosity, we not only met our goal, we SURPASSED it! ๐ŸŽ‰ Together, we raised over $130,000, and gifts are still coming in!

To everyone who attended, gave, sponsored, prayed, encouraged, filled a table, and believed in this mission, THANK YOU. ๐Ÿ˜Š

That is what last night was all about: planting hope, nurturing healing, and helping families keep growing.

HOPE IS IN FULL BLOOM. ๐Ÿ’œ๐ŸŒท

And trust us, there is MORE to share from this amazing night. Be on the lookout for more beautiful moments, powerful stories, and celebrations coming soon! ๐ŸŒŸ

Address

144 E. Ferguson Avenue
Wood River, IL
62095

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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