Until Terebinth Refuge opened its doors in April of 2018, there had not been any dedicated shelters in the St. Cloud area for women who were survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Many of the women we serve have been exploited since childhood, and have experienced trauma, homelessness, and poverty.
Without this place of hope and healing, these women have a higher chance of experiencing mental health problems and substance abuse issues — they are often trapped in a life of exploitation and abuse thinking trafficking is the only way to support themselves and their children.
Survivor leadership at Terebinth Refuge is very important. We employ healed survivors as Leaders who bring hope, understanding and trust to our program.
Those who have left that life successfully walk alongside other survivors in our program to bring them comfort and support.
We have a holistic model of healing with four areas of care. Terebinth also has specialized staffing to help survivors through the mental trauma involved with sexual exploitation and trafficking.
In our programs, women are given time, resources, and coaching to heal and develop needed skills. Skills that go on to support their transitions into a life of health, stability, and independence for themselves and their children.
Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, churches, and foundations we are able to offer programming at no cost to survivors who are trying to exit this horrific life.
To bring hope, healing services, and freedom to sexually exploited and trafficked women as they transition into a life of health, stability, and independence for themselves and their children.
As a shelter for hope and healing, Terebinth Refuge has a holistic approach that provides safe housing, longer-term transitional housing, and a variety of on-site services to help women attain their individual goals toward recovery and independence. This approach helps women who are struggling, to stay out of this lifestyle permanently.
An RN nurse is available to make sure the women are getting the medical attention they need and to educate them on health nutrition and exercise.
We focus on the importance of mental health and health surrounding chemical dependency. Our support groups and trauma therapies help women understand what healthy relationships and coping skills are.
At Terebinth we get to know the women in ou program and learn about the special gifts, talents, and abilities they have. We create opportunities and encourage these survivors to find out who they are as individuals outside of their past.
Terebinth Refuge is rooted in Christ-centered values as an organization. We provide a nurturing and accepting environment in which women can heal, rebuild their lives, and grow in their faith if they choose. However, we do not require participation in faith-based programs as a condition to receive shelter or services.
We value the uniqueness of each woman in her cultural, ethnic, and religious identity, and provide each woman with individual opportunities for self-advocacy and personal growth.
Our vision for Terebinth Refuge includes the expansion of our Shelter & Transition Home to accommodate more women & children. The need is great and our space is limited. We also pray for a ‘Brick & Mortar” store for Hope & Healing survivors to sell their products, and expand to other organizations nationwide to support survivors from all over the world!
You can help us make this a reality by supporting our mission with your time and talents, prayers, and donations! We can’t grow forward without the Lord and your support!
Terebinth Refuge is proud to have earned a GuideStar Gold rating and an 84% score on Charity Navigator, reflecting our commitment to financial transparency and accountability. We are also accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), ensuring we uphold the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of our operations. Your trust is our priority, and we strive to use every dollar to make a lasting impact in the lives of survivors.
Most frequent questions and answers.
Women and children 18+ who have been impacted by sex trafficking or sexual exploitation.
Our survivors are often referred to us or they find us online. We have a hotline that is covered 24/7. – How does your program work? We offer a faith-based, 4-step program that focuses on Mind, Body, Spirit & Soul. By addressing all of these elements, the survivors have the tools they need for this lifeline journey to heal the complex trauma they have endured.
As the survivors progress through the program, they have the option to move into the Transition House to practice living independently with our support. Once she moves on her own we provide After-Care so if there are issues that come up, we are here to help.
You can help by requesting a speaker to come to your business, or organization to learn more about our mission & build awareness. You can volunteer your time & talents. You can pray for our mission, our talented staff & survivors. You can become a Church of The Month. You can be part of our Legacy program and of course, donate to us monthly, annually, or even a one-time donation. Any amount is appreciated and will help us continue to provide shelter, freedom, and hope & healing to these resilient survivors.
Your generosity impacts and supports the needs and services of survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Together we can be the answer to this horrific problem in our community. Help us be a place where hope and healing grows.