Refuge

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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 individual, 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.

Happy Boss’s Day to two incredible leaders who make Refuge stronger every day! 💜Erin, our Executive Director, and Megan,...
10/16/2026

Happy Boss’s Day to two incredible leaders who make Refuge stronger every day! 💜

Erin, our Executive Director, and Megan, our Clinical Director, lead with compassion, vision, and a deep commitment to the children and families we serve. Their encouragement, trust, and dedication shape not only the work we do, but the team behind it.

We are so grateful for the way you both lead, support, challenge, and believe in this mission. Refuge is better because of you! 💜✨

It’s ! 💜A big thank you to Pam & Dave for helping keep our snack cabinet stocked for the kids we serve!It may seem like...
10/15/2026

It’s ! 💜

A big thank you to Pam & Dave for helping keep our snack cabinet stocked for the kids we serve!

It may seem like a small thing, but having a snack waiting can help a child feel a little more comfortable, cared for, and at home when they come through our doors.

We’re so grateful for people in our community who show up in simple, meaningful ways. 💜

Come see us today! 💜 We are at the Vendor & Resource Fair hosted by The Great River Road Cookie Company and Riverbend He...
10/10/2026

Come see us today! 💜 We are at the Vendor & Resource Fair hosted by The Great River Road Cookie Company and Riverbend Head Start & Family Services!

📍 Granite City Head Start Niedringhaus Building
2901 State St., Granite City
⏰ 10 AM–2 PM

For many young children, play is how they communicate. 💜For 5-year-old Shelby, play gives her a way to express emotions,...
10/08/2026

For many young children, play is how they communicate. 💜

For 5-year-old Shelby, play gives her a way to express emotions, share pieces of her story, and begin working through experiences that can be hard to put into words.

At Refuge, Shelby has a safe space to explore, build trust, and take meaningful steps forward in her healing journey.

What may look like simple play can actually be something much bigger.

Because of YOUR support, children like Shelby have a place where they can feel safe, be heard, and begin to heal. Your generosity makes moments like this possible. 💜

What an incredible day for our community! 💜Yesterday, Refuge, alongside the Madison County Action Team and Safe from the...
10/08/2026

What an incredible day for our community! 💜

Yesterday, Refuge, alongside the Madison County Action Team and Safe from the Start Coalition, hosted the Children, Families, and Domestic Violence Symposium — and we were blown away by the turnout!

A room filled with professionals, advocates, community leaders, and partners came together with one shared purpose: to strengthen the way we support children and families impacted by domestic violence.

We are incredibly grateful to each of our speakers and panelists who shared their time, expertise, and experiences with us. The conversations were meaningful, the connections were powerful, and the energy in the room showed just how much can happen when our community comes together.

Thank you to those of you who showed up, leaned in, and helped make this day such a success! 🌟

Oasis Women's Center | Riverbend Head Start & Family Services | Illinois Department of Children and Family Services | Riverbend Family Ministries

It’s ! 💜Erin, our Parent Educator and Case Manager, shares what excites her most about Refuge: the opportunity to help ...
10/06/2026

It’s ! 💜

Erin, our Parent Educator and Case Manager, shares what excites her most about Refuge: the opportunity to help families break cycles and create a healthier path forward. ✨

Through support, education, and connection, families are building new patterns that can make an impact for generations to come.

💜 Leave a Legacy of HopeWhat if your compassion could continue changing lives for generations?By including Refuge in you...
10/01/2026

💜 Leave a Legacy of Hope

What if your compassion could continue changing lives for generations?

By including Refuge in your will or estate plans, you can help ensure children and families continue to have a place to find safety, healing, and hope long into the future.

A legacy gift is more than a donation. It is a lasting investment in children, families, and the hope of a brighter future.

Talk with your trusted advisor today and consider making Refuge part of your legacy. 💜

Refuge is excited to be at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Social Work Practicum Fair today connecting wit...
09/30/2026

Refuge is excited to be at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Social Work Practicum Fair today connecting with the next generation of social workers! 🌟

Our internship program is an important part of the work we do at Refuge. Our interns bring fresh perspectives, energy, and passion to our team while helping us expand our capacity to serve children and families in our community.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to invest in future social workers, provide meaningful hands-on experience, and help shape young professionals as they prepare to enter the field. We can’t wait to see where these future social workers go and we hope a few of them find their way to Refuge! 💜

Just 2 weeks away! 📣Our Children, Families & Domestic Violence Symposium is coming up on October 7, and there is still t...
09/23/2026

Just 2 weeks away! 📣

Our Children, Families & Domestic Violence Symposium is coming up on October 7, and there is still time to RSVP!

Calling all community professionals, church leaders, first responders, educators, mental health providers, child welfare professionals, and others who work with children and families for a day of learning and collaboration.

The day will include breakout sessions, a professional panel featuring law enforcement and child welfare, lunch, and opportunities to connect with others serving families across Madison County.

📚 CEUs available for counselors and social workers
🍽️ Lunch provided
✅ RSVP required

Register today:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=CD8pOjthn067XOhsm6sdN8ytOZkDsKFEiUS713aeZPVUOUNXMlBUWlRBSjJBOUxMVTdMREZERVpXUi4u&route=shorturl

A big THANK YOU to First National Bank of Waterloo for supporting Refuge through their Jeans Day donations! 💜We are so g...
09/23/2026

A big THANK YOU to First National Bank of Waterloo for supporting Refuge through their Jeans Day donations! 💜

We are so grateful for community partners who choose to give back and help support children and families in our community. Your generosity makes a difference, and we’re thankful to have you in our corner! 😊

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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