The Refuge - A Fresh Start
Our vision is to restore dignity, give hope, and create new dreams for the homeless through existing programs, job opportunities, housing, and behavioral changes at The Refuge – A Fresh Start, Inc. Our goal is to have 80% of the homeless in the Marshall area find suitable employment and/or housing within 60 days.
Description:
The Refuge – A Fresh Start, Inc.’s mission is a non-profit organization that will provide emergency shelter to homeless and low-income people. The Refuge – A Fresh Start, Inc. will function in a non-violent, non-threatening, non-discriminatory manner. Through our programs, we will strive to serve the homeless population in a caring atmosphere by providing shelter, food and supportive services. The main goal of the programs will be to assist residents in becoming self-sufficient through empowerment and direct services. To do this, we will refer residents to appropriate services, provide emotional support, and enable them to get involved in forming their futures.
The Refuge – A Fresh Start, Inc. will provide the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter making it possible for residents to focus on obtaining jobs and housing. The residents must show sincere effort in making positive life changes, each according to their abilities. They may have addictions, mental illness, or physical disabilities, and part of their goals might include going to treatment, getting set up with a counselor or psychiatrist, or volunteer. The purpose of our services is to assist people in their transition to self-sufficiency through advocacy-based counseling and programs. Existing programs involving money management, PC skills, interviewing skills, how to keep a job after you get a job, and parenting skills will be utilized.
History:
The very first meeting occurred on January 9, 2007. Incorporated on October 15, 2007, and received 501 (c) 3 status as a public, charitable organization on April 15,2008.
The churches, Independent newspaper, and individuals in the Marshall area have been very supportive of The Refuge. We were the agency of choice for the annual US Bank Spaghetti Dinner this past August 2008. In April 2010, the second annual Compassion Campout will be held which involves high school and college age students to sleep out at night in cardboard boxes in a city park. Over 600 people supported this event last year through donations!
Progress is continuing towards the building of a facility for The Refuge at 1226 Birch Street. Plans are to break ground in March/April 2010!!
Contact people:
Address:
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P.O. Box 106 (1226 Birch Street)
Marshall, MN 56258 |
Web Site: None specified
Directions:
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Starting at the corner of Main Street and Highway 23 in downtown Marshall, travel east on E. College Drive ~ 3/4 mile to the intersection of E. College Drive and N. Bruce Street (Super America corner).
Turn left (north) on N.. . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: Three (3) bus stops within a short distance. |
| Last updated on October 7, 2009 |
