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Merci's Refuge

4-11 month residential Christian counseling program for women (ages 18-40).

Program Elements

Merci’s Refuge is a long-term residential counseling program for women ages 18-40 who are trying to heal and regain stability due to past trauma. 

Phase 1 – (Months 1 – 4)

  • Experience prolonged safety
  • Maintain sobriety
  • Learn new tools for emotional and physical regulation
  • Enter into healthy community and relationships
  • Weekly individual counseling sessions
  • Utilize mentors and sponsors for support and accountability
  • Pursue healing through various groups and classes (parenting, healthy relationships, trauma healing, AA/NA/CR, Grief, etc).
  • Spiritual exploration through Christian-based content and events
  • Re-establish care with medical, dental and psychological services as needed
  • Weekly case management focused on practical goals (IDs, job readiness, etc)
  • Graduation from program and transition planning.

Phase 2 (Optional) – Months 5 – 11

  • Return to employment and/or school
  • Implement personal accountability plans for recovery and life goals
  • Continued involvement with community and relationships 
  • Weekly case management
  • Transition planning

Program Criteria

  • People assigned female at birth between the ages of 18-40. Applicants over 40 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Sober for 14 days. Able to test negative upon arrival at Merci’s Refuge. People in active addiction will likely need to complete a detox or 30-day rehab immediately prior to intake.
  • Psychologically stable. Not actively suicidal or experiencing psychosis.
  • Physically stable. Not needing major medical care or frequent/weekly hospital visits (besides pregnancy related) for chronic illnesses. Able to complete typical activities of daily living (eating, toileting, showering, etc.)
  • Children. Infants are welcome. Older children need to reside with others. Weekly visits or video calls are permitted.
  • Program Readiness. Are you ready to take action toward your goals for personal healing and gaining sobriety?  Are you ready and open to engage in trauma-focused counseling? Are you open to doing this work in a Christian-based environment?

Testimonies from Residents

“Before Merci’s Refuge, I was paralyzed by feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness and used alcohol and self-harm to numb and cope with my emotions. Since being at Merci’s Refuge I have learned and grown in how to process my emotions in healthy ways and I have hope for the future. I have meaning in and purpose in my life again.”

“Merci’s Refuge has changed my life because it gave me a different perspective on myself. They gave me shelter when no one else would. If it were not for Merci’s Refuge I don’t know where I would be at or if I would even be alive. I was suicidal and didn’t want to live. Eventually, I believe I would have gotten on drugs or ended my life. Even though there were things about living at MR that were irritating at the time, at the end of the day it is my home. My heaven on earth.”

“Before I came to Merci’s Refuge I was alone in many aspects. I am coming out of the darkness. The feelings of hopelessness are leaving my mind and I feel hope for my future.”

“The best thing about Merci’s Refuge is all of the counseling that I was getting. All of the times that I felt alone I had someone to talk to. It feels good to have someone in my atmosphere to talk to me on a deeper level and also give me an understanding of what God is saying about that situation and to refer back to his word.”

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