Refuge

The focus of Refuge is to give families and their teens an opportunity to face and repair their personal hardships in a confidential and positive environment, through instruction and support.

Destructive behavior by today’s youth crosses all economic, social, religious, and ethnic boundaries.  We live in communities, attend schools, and work in places where the effects of alcohol and drug use, addictions and other rebellious behavior present serious obstacles to a safe and productive family and community.

The general response to youthful rebellion, especially alcohol and drug use, is counseling, rehabilitation, and/or juvenile lockup. The results of these efforts have been disappointing, at best.  Safe Harbor's program addresses the home environment, working with both the teen and parent in order to reverse the tide toward destruction of home and family.

The recovery process through Refuge involves educational, spiritual, and behavioral awareness training which is accomplished in both individual and group settings. Using a unique combination of clinical and biblical resources, the program promotes hope and healing in the entire family unit.

After an initial consultation, families are invited to attend a Refuge site.  Refuge sites host 24 and 12 week sessions which run concurrently throughout the year.  During these sessions support is available to help teens regain self-respect, acceptance, and security. The sessions also guide parents in better assessment and control of their respective situations.

Not only do the adolescents have a mentor, the parents also have parent encouragers who stand alongside the family and offer support.  Our program differs from other programs in this unique way - we work with the adolescent AND their family.

Some of the risk factors associated with youth rebellion that Refuge addresses are:

• A non-structured home environment
• Ineffective parenting skills
• Anger
• Lack of or, poor coping skills
• Poor self-image of teen and/or parents
• Affiliation with peers engaged in unhealthy or risky activities
• Alcohol and other drug use
• Illegal or other poor decisions

Currently, we meet Tuesday evening in Birmingham at Valleydale Church, and Thursday evening in Cullman at Daystar Church. Contact us to find out more.

Do you know a teen in crisis?

We can help.