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Hello, My name is Michelle Thurston and I’m the president of Hills and Valleys Refuge. If you asked me where our nonprofit started I would tell you it began on a mission field. God placed a longing to serve others in my husband and I's heart. This started with wanting to help foster kids to nurture and love them until they were able to reunify with their families. But through the process we realized there was a big problem with the system and what needed to be done could not possibly happen without God. During the time we began to foster God brought us great friends and a wonderful support group. This group allowed us to see the importance of a great community and how a strong foundation can take trauma and pain and turn it around for the good. Because of this Hills and Valley Refuge was built on a vision that became part of my life and our good friends the Dusseau’s. We both can testify the importance of loving teenage foster kids and the fear of what will happen to these young kids that have not been placed in a forever home.
In the United States, about 20,000 youth exit out of foster care and are left to fend for themselves. Some states offer benefits but can be overwhelming to any young adult especially one dealing with childhood trauma.These kids end up on the streets reliving the cycle of abuse, drugs, and even human trafficking.We want to change this statistic by creating a Christ centered transitional home and program, At Hills and Valleys Refuge, we are building a foundation of unconditional love by nurturing youth, training, educating and providing a safe home for young adults coming from foster care or a crisis atmosphere. We will foster a Biblical path with mentorship, and counseling to empower and restore future generations.
We would love it if you would consider partnering with us as we take this vision and create a space that will change lives forever. We have many ways you can help through one time or monthly donations, volunteer opportunities, mentorship, and last but not least prayer.