Noelle Volin is a licensed attorney and seasoned leader in anti‑trafficking, sexual violence prevention, and restorative justice. As Executive Director of Terebinth Refuge, she brings legal expertise, program design experience, and a proven track record of building community‑specific multidisciplinary responses to support survivors and prevent exploitation. Her leadership emphasizes trauma‑informed services, cross‑sector collaboration, and culturally responsive prevention.
Professional Experience
Where We Are Now
Terebinth Refuge is in an important season of discernment and redesign. During this leadership transition, the organization has been taking time to review programs, staffing, daily operations, and the current resident experience. This work is not about stepping back from the mission. It is about strengthening the foundation so the mission can flourish with greater clarity and sustainability.
What We Are Building
The team is updating program design and staffing structure with a focus on trauma-informed care, operational health, and long-term stability. That includes looking carefully at how advocacy, housing support, wellness, spiritual care, and community partnerships can work together in ways that are faithful, practical, and sustainable. The goal is to build a model that better supports women seeking freedom while also moving Terebinth Refuge out of ongoing financial strain.
In the months ahead, supporters can expect more opportunities to learn about our renewed vision, hear ministry updates, and walk alongside us as we prepare for the next chapter. We are committed to building a ministry that honors the courage of survivors, the faithfulness of our community, and the calling God has placed on Terebinth Refuge.
Your tax-deductible donations make a real difference to those harmed by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation
The terebinth tree is a type of pistachio tree that grows out of desolate areas and provides shade and refuge. We see mention of this tree in 1 Samuel, in the story about David defeating Goliath in the Valley of Elah (“Valley of the Terebinth”). During that time, Israel was experiencing a period of moral chaos and tragedy – embodied by the figure, Goliath, who was bent on oppressing other people. God’s choice of David as the person who would defeat the oppressor was not based on his name or status, but simply on his radical and humble trust in God. This tree reminds us that our work to end trafficking is not ours, but God’s. Despite human evil, God is working out His purposes, rescuing His people from slavery and oppression, using the humble and the faithful to carry out.
In 2007, our founder, Cynthia Terlouw Kvistad (Cece), received a vision from God to create a place of refuge for women who had been harmed by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. In this vision, God would be an intricate part of the healing process, tending to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of survivors, restoring hope amid suffering, and paving the way to freedom – freedom from exploitation, and freedom to thrive.
Upon moving to the St. Cloud area, Cece learned of the serious lack of resources for adult victims. Inspired by her work at Heartland Girls’ Ranch, a long-term care facility for girls who have experienced trauma from commercial sexual exploitation/trafficking, Cece began the process of building partnerships and support within the community for a new resource: Terebinth Refuge. In 2018, with help from a grant from Minnesota’s Safe Harbor program and generous community donations, Terebinth Refuge was established.
Today, Terebinth Refuge provides shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services to women 18+ who have been harmed by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Since its founding, Terebinth Refuge has served 157 women from Minnesota and beyond.
In recognition of her foundational role and enduring legacy, the Board of Directors has established the Cynthia “CeCe” Terlouw-Kvistad Endowment Fund to ensure that the mission she launched will continue to flourish for generations to come.
Your support through grants empowers Terebinth Refuge to continue providing life-changing resources and care. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on lives and building a stronger future.
