The Refuge and Texoma Gives
The Refuge/Olney Christian Community Center runs programs that nourish children, literally and spiritually, and strives to unite the community around Christian values of love and inclusivity. The Refuge is asking for Olney’s support during the Texoma Gives online fundraiser on Sept. 7. The 16-hour online giving event goes from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and can be accessed at www.texomagives.org.
The Enterprise spoke with The Refuge’s directors, Rodney and Christy Nantz, about their plans for the coming year.
Enterprise: Describe the Refuge’s programs and explain which ones are funded through charitable donations?
A: The Refuge is dedicated to supporting our community and local churches by hosting events and programs at no cost to the participants. These include monthly art programs, weekly youth meetings, martial arts sessions, several summer camps, special youth events, a daily summer lunch feeding program, health and nutrition classes and an after- school program. We also host an array of community gatherings, fifth quarters, seminars, meetings for various organizations, cheer practices, boy scout meetings and different service projects. Around 80 percent of all the programs are made possible through charitable donations.
Enterprise: What programs do you need help funding this year -- i.e., how did the Refuge’s funding needs change over the past year?
A: We need help funding the total operational expenses of the Refuge. With the cost of food and utilities increasing, an increase in the number of people utilizing the building, and the denial of grants our need for funding both for programs and operational expenses has increased. Funding, through grants, for religious centers/organizations who are standing on the truth of God’s word seems to be harder to find and apply for. We continue to seek out opportunities to gain that type of funding as well.
Enterprise: What are the long-term goals for the Refuge, in terms of the population you hope to serve and the scope of your mission?
A: “Our purpose is to teach the gospel (as presented in the Holy Bible), strengthen the community, support local churches, and strengthen families. Everything we do at the Refuge is centered around our mission statement. We continue to pray for provision, and for programs that meet the needs of our community, both for youth and adults.
Enterprise: What do you want Olney and the surrounding area to know about the Refuge that they may not know?
A: We do think sometimes our community does not understand the scope of the Refuge and what truly makes the Refuge unique. In addition to all the programs that we hold throughout the year we are a fully functioning community center open six days a week. We are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enterprise: What other events do you have going on Sept. 7 that you want people to know about, and how can they contact you?
A: We will be celebrating Texoma Gives all day here at the Refuge! We will start serving breakfast burritos at 6 a.m. and lunch (pulled pork sandwiches, chips, dessert, and drink) at 11:30 a.m. for a donation of any amount. It truly is a wonderful day celebrating all the nonprofits in our community! Please join us! For any questions you may stop by the Refuge at 1418 W. Elm here in Olney or call us at 940-564-4673. To make an online donation please go to https:// www.texomagives.org/.