Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Germer.
Abby, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A group of committed community members in Denton County had a desire to open a long term healing program, specifically for women who were victims of sex trafficking and exploitation. Our first meeting took place on a Tuesday evening in the back room of a local coffee shop in July of 2015. Our founder, Ked Frank, happened to be in town and a mutual friend organized an opportunity for all of us to meet and hear his vision of the mission he was leading. The original Refuge for Women home opened in Kentucky in 2009 and after seeing the dire need to serve more women in more homes, they were ready to start expanding the program to become a multi-site, national organization.
That night, Ked planted a seed in our hearts that maybe North Texas was going to be the next Refuge for Women home to open. This small gathering of people continued to meet every Tuesday and the community whole-heartedly embraced the vision and saw the need to open a home in North Texas. One year later, in July of 2016, an amazing family purchased a home and donated it to Refuge for Women to use as our North Texas program house. This was a big game-changer and allowed us to open our doors. We were able to start taking in residents in December of 2016 and have been serving women ever since. The continued support, from financial gifts, volunteer time and other resources, given from the community has been tremendous and makes all of this possible.
Has it been a smooth road?
Um, no. But we have learned that nothing worthwhile comes easy or without sacrifice. This whole journey has been nothing but a faith walk, with learning opportunities along the way. But the key is to not give up. Time and again, we push through and experience the next breakthrough needed in order to sustain and provide the best care for our residents.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Refuge for Women North Texas – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized long-term care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers up to twelve months of safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around the clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming. The compassionate staff is trained to help residents work through the program to reclaim their identities and reach their goals to overcome addictions, heal from trauma and develop life skills which lead to healthy, balanced living and financial independence. Refuge for Women strives to help each woman complete the program with a vision for her future, equipped to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope.
Refuge for Women is successfully operating residential program houses in five states with additional sites launching soon. A multi-site model enables those who share the vision to help women begin a new life, join forces and maximize resources for greater impact while keeping the safety of the resident a priority by relocating them to the best location. Refuge for Women is the nation’s leading aftercare provider, serving victims of trafficking and exploitation.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I LOVE most about our city and surrounding areas is the diversity in culture and the desire to help those who need it and want it. Our North Texas area has some of THE BEST resources when it comes to funding, jobs, and volunteers to help out and get involved. Whether we are stocking our pantry with household items for the home or the receiving resources to provide the best care for our residents, the community is always willing to meet the need. What do I dislike about our city…… T.R.A.F.F.I.C. and road construction. But I am sure I am not the only one! And of course, I hate that there is a need for our program services in the first place. Texas is ranked number 2 in the nation for the number of calls made to the National Human Trafficking hotline. That means we do have a trafficking problem that is happening right now and right here in our city. These are real women- somebody’s daughter- that are being treated unlike any human should be.
Contact Info:
- Address: Refuge for Women North Texas
306 N Loop 288 #199
Denton, Texas 76209 - Website: www.rfwntx.org
- Phone: 859-629-1642
- Email: abby.germer@refugeforwomen.org
- Instagram: refugeforwomen_ntx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rfwntx/
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