Refuge

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! 💜

Erin’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!!💜 Thank YOU!

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed on Monday, May 25. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26. ❤️

05/20/2026

SO PROUD of our Executive Director, Erin, for receiving this well-deserved award! 💜

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.

📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College

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

05/14/2026

Gaye and Barry have done it again! 💜

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. 🌟

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. 🌟🤩

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

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. 🌟

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. 💜

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05/05/2026

Happy Birthday, Ellie! 🐾💜

Our sweet girl is turning 9 this year, and we couldn’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! 🎉🐶

05/04/2026

We just had to share this! 💙✨

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

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 wasn’t thoughtful enough, she also prepared goodie bags for each of them!

It’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! 💙

05/02/2026

HOPE IN FULL BLOOM 🌸💜

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. 📸

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

THANK YOU!!! 🤩

05/01/2026

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

Because of this community’s generosity, we not only met our goal, we SURPASSED it! 🎉 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. 😊

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

HOPE IS IN FULL BLOOM. 💜🌷

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! 🌟