The pandemic didn’t halt a local nonprofit from being a refuge to those in need.
The Refuge, a local nonprofit outreach center in Greenwood, had to adapt to the pandemic a year ago, just like every other business and organization.
A faith-based organization, The Refuge has been an asset to the Johnson County community since 2007. It houses a food pantry that is open twice a week, and one-on-one help and resources to people who are struggling to get by.
“We want to be open and available for any Johnson County resident who has any type of physical, spiritual, or academic needs,” said Kerry Carmichael, executive director.
When the coronavirus pandemic began last March, The Refuge had to adapt to a new normal. It turned the pantry into a drive-thru service, but had to transition one-on-one counseling services to phone calls.
“The challenges were probably being able to get to the people that really needed the help because you couldn’t meet with them one-on-one,” Carmichael said. “It was just making sure that people knew we were still here, we’re operating, we care.”
The Refuge saw an increase in people coming to the pantry and needing assistance at the beginning of the pandemic, but it has slowed down since. The nonprofit was “never without” though, Carmichael said. Donations continued to pour in from local businesses and organizations, and individuals.
“What we found this past year is that people really, really care and stepped up to help others who were struggling,” Carmichael said. “We’d have people drop off food that had never dropped off food before.”
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the pantry provides people with fresh and nonperishable food such as boxed meals, canned vegetables and pasta. They can also receive hygienic items and household goods. The Refuge has since reopened for in-person services this year, so people can come inside to the food pantry, to eat in the dining room and meet one-on-one with volunteers again.
“Almost every single person says, ‘We so appreciate you took the time to sit with us and talk with us and just hear about what’s going on. Just to know that someone is there to listen,’” Carmichael said.
Also, while adapting to the pandemic, The Refuge moved into a permanent space last summer at 1150 South Park Drive, Greenwood.
The organization had previously operated out of a number of buildings throughout Greenwood, but never had its own dedicated location. Now, The Refuge has plenty of space for the pantry, dedicated private offices, a dining room and kitchen, and a space for its after-school program.
They plan to launch the after-school program in the fall, Carmichael said. It will serve local school children who need a place to go outside school for help with homework, or to gain good mentors.
The Refuge typically holds annual fundraising events throughout the year on top of the donations it receives from its 10 local church partners, businesses and individuals. Typically, the fundraisers in the summer are golf tournaments or races.
But this summer, it will host its first-ever pickleball tournament.
The sport is becoming increasingly popular in the Greenwood community, and Carmichael and the rest of the team at The Refuge saw it as a fun event.
“We wanted it to be a fun event for the community, and we wanted it to be something everyone can get involved in. You know, you don’t have to be a runner, or even play it well to join,” Carmichael said.
The “Fun in the Sun” pickleball tournament will take place June 11 and 12 at the courts at Craig Park in Greenwood. Registration is open online and costs $35 per player.
“It’s a huge honor to be able to have a community that pulls together, whether it be by donations or resources or the volunteers that come out,” Carmichael said. “It’s very hard for a person to ask for help, and to be that space for that person, it’s an honor. It’s what we’re called to do.”
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The Refuge
Address: 1150 South Park Drive, Greenwood
Services: The Refuge offers nonperishable and fresh food, along with personal hygiene products, to residents of Johnson County through its food pantry. The organization also provides outreach services through one-on-one meetings with volunteers who can listen and help provide resources to people who are struggling.
Food pantry hours: 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. Thursdays
Office hours: 9 a.m.-noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Information: therefugeinc.com or 317-889-7338
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The Refuge Fun in the Sun Pickleball Tournament
When: June 11 and 12
Where: Pickleball courts at Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood
Cost: $35 per player
Registration: Visit pickleballtournaments.com and search "Fun in the Sun" in the search bar on the righthand corner.
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