The Update

the Refuge Periodic Newsletter

The summer has been a busy, but exciting time at The Refuge. We had a successful golf and Bands Battle Hunger fundraiser. What I love about events, is it’s not just about the funds raised for our mission, but it’s also exciting to share what God is doing with new people. It’s also been a tough few months. We’ve lost a couple faithful and loving volunteers over the past few months. Isn’t that how life is though? Some good and some tough.  

Recently I was invited to Rocklane Christian Church to speak on behalf of The Refuge. During my time there I was able to hear a message from their pastor, Seth Amerine. He was sharing scripture about Esther. One of the key points that stuck with me, is are we following Godly examples, wisdom and leaders? Are we praying for our will? Are we praying for what we want? Yes, God tells us to present our desires to Him. However, if it’s not HIS will, are we still finding joy in Him? Are there things that gnaw at you worse than dying? Think about that. What are we focused on? I miss my dear friends. I know their family and close friends miss them. But death is not the end. I want to be more like them and love intentionally. I want The Refuge to be all about God’s love and commission. 

My prayer is for Godly wisdom, Godly leadership, and to ignite in us the things that God wants us to focus on. My desire is to bring God glory in all that we do. My desire is to break my heart for what breaks His. We are so thankful for all the partnerships and volunteers that help serve each and every person that needs support. Will you join us in praying, serving and partnering with us for His will to be done?

~ Kerry Carmichael, Executive Director

ANNOUNCEMENTS

📢 PANTRY SCHEDULE UPDATE

We’re making a change to better serve our neighbors!

Our Wednesday pantry hours were added in hopes of reducing the number of families visiting on Thursday evenings. While Wednesday attendance has remained low, our Thursday nights continue to be very busy, making it challenging to serve everyone well within our space.

Beginning Tuesday, October 6, we will shift our Wednesday pantry to Tuesday evenings in hopes of providing a more convenient option and easing Thursday evening traffic.

📅 Last Wednesday Pantry: September 30

📅 First Tuesday Evening Pantry: October 6

Please help us spread the word! We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we continue looking for the best ways to serve our community well. ❤️

CELEBRATION - BANDS BATTLING HUNGER

What an amazing evening of music, food, fellowship and FUN! 

Thank you to everyone that came out! We are so blessed to be part of a community that is truly about community. We look forward to year #3 in 2027!

Check out some pictures HERE from the evening.

CELEBRATION - THANK YOU!

Recently, we had the opportunity to celebrate Stacie Ruff, our Refuge Office Manager, as she prepares to begin a new chapter.

Stacie’s impact at The Refuge reaches far beyond the work she accomplished each day. Through her kindness, compassion, dedication, and servant’s heart, she has encouraged our staff and volunteers, blessed countless individuals and families, and helped us continue our mission of sharing hope throughout our community.

Thank you, Stacie, for the genuine care you have poured into The Refuge and everyone who walks through our doors—your impact will continue to be felt in the many lives you have touched.

While we are sad to see you go, we are grateful for the time we shared and excited to see how God will continue to use your gifts in this next chapter. You will always be a part of The Refuge family.

Please join us in thanking and celebrating Stacie as she begins this new journey. We pray God's richest blessings over the road ahead.

Oven Mitt Meals (OMM) = 750 of 1,000 meal goal thus far in 2026

• A Simple Community
• Legacy Church
• Emmanuel Small Group

Tackle Hunger Partner

• Complete Comfort continues our partnership and service offerings for donation to our pantry, of more than 5,000 pounds thus far in 2026
• Rocklane Christian Church VBS 2026 Offering of over a 1,000 pound donation.
• GCA Annual Alumni Soccer Game where fan admission is a monetary donation or canned good item in support of the Refuge.

United Way grant helps provide emergency food, hygiene items, and essential resources to local individuals and families in need. We're grateful to United Way for partnering with us to bring hope and support when it's needed most.

A huge thank you to the amazing team from Legacy Church for spending your serve day at The Refuge! From beautifying our grounds and cleaning our dining room to preparing Oven Mitt Meals and sorting food for pantry distribution, your hard work is making a lasting difference for the families we serve—we're so grateful for your servant hearts!

A huge thank you to five amazing men for spending part of their day serving at The Refuge! They worked hard spreading mulch, cleaning up shrubs, and helping make our campus even more welcoming for the families and community we serve.

Our Volunteers... The Refuge is stronger because of people like you. Every hour you give, every smile you share, and every task you take on helps create a place where hope is found and lives are changed. Your generosity and servant's heart make a lasting impact on our neighbors and our community. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission.

THE DROP

BIG WINS AT THE DROP

We love celebrating wins at The Drop — and this summer, we had some BIG ones to celebrate! We set a big summer reading goal of 1,800 minutes, and our students didn't just reach.....they EXCEEDED it!! Our students read an incredible 1,900 minutes!!

I knew that with a little grit, encouragement and a great reward waiting at the finish line, they could do it...and they proved me right. Their hard work earned them a well-deserved lunch at McDonald's.  

But one reading accomplishment was a special win. One of our students chose to read the devotion book she received from The Drop at Christmas this past December. So she wasn't just reading ...she was reading while learning more about God! We definitely consider that a double win!!

BULLSEYES & NEW EXPERIENCES

We wrapped up our summer program with a fun day of archery with Mr. Jake (Harrell). The kids absolutely loved it!!

One student who regularly plays virtual-reality with goggles was especially excited to tr the real thing. He quickly discovered that real archery uses muscles the VR doesn't - and he was feeling it the next day, lol

Two of our students hit bullseyes! Way to go!!

THE DROP GOES TO MIDDLE SCHOOL!!

We are also excited to announce that our middle school program is officially up and running. We started on August 11^th with two girls that have been part of The Drop for the past three years. We couldn't say goodbye when they moved on to middle school, so we decided to go with them!

Before school started we were able to visit the new school for a private tour with the new principal, Mrs. Brinker. It has been exciting to watch the girls settle into their new school "home," and they seem to be thriving! Each Tuesday Nancy Estrem and I spend a mix of time with devotions, homework help, life skills and plenty of laughter. And believe me, these girls laugh a lot! I think that is a pretty good sign that they are enjoying their Tuesdays with us.

GETTING READY FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR

Our elementary program kicks off September 14th, and there is lots happening behind the scenes. We are praying, planning, organizing and purchasing supplies to make sure everything is ready when our students return.

I LOVE my job, and I truly cannot wait to see our students walk through the doors again!!

Thank you for cheering on The Drop and helping us to celebrate these wins. We are so grateful for everyone who makes it possible for us to pour into these kids each week!  

~ Missy Jacobs, Drop Director

WHAT IS THE REFUGE - MORE THAN GROCERIES - A MEAL

When individuals and families visit The Refuge Food Pantry, they receive more than groceries—they are also invited to enjoy a freshly prepared meal served by caring volunteers.

Meals are offered during each pantry session:

• Tuesday: Breakfast
• Wednesday: Light Lunch
• Thursday: Dinner

Guests may choose to enjoy their meal in our dining room or take it with them to go. While the convenience of a take-home meal is valuable, there is something special that happens when people sit down together at the table.

Sharing a meal creates opportunities for conversation, connection, and community. For many guests, it may be one of the few chances during the week to enjoy a meal in the company of others. Sitting down in the dining room helps reduce isolation, fosters new friendships, and reminds each person that they are seen, valued, and welcomed.

Our volunteer meal teams do more than serve food—they offer smiles, encouragement, and hospitality. A warm greeting, a friendly conversation, and a shared meal can nourish the spirit just as much as the food nourishes the body.

At The Refuge, we believe that everyone deserves both food and fellowship. That's why every pantry visit includes an invitation to pull up a chair, enjoy a meal, and experience the caring community that makes The Refuge so much more than a food pantry.

Get to Know Us!

“Get to Know Us”, where we highlight the amazing board members, staff, and volunteers who make The Refuge so special.

Corina Hendershott, Building Manager is a lifelong resident of Greenwood, Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, a foundation that shaped her passion for helping others throughout her career...

Abby Belk, Board Vice President has called Johnson County home for the past nine years. I grew up in Shelbyville before moving away to play Division I softball at Eastern Illinois University.

POINT IN TIME SUPPORT

Turkey Burn 5k Run/Walk

We are thrilled to once again be the beneficiary of this amazing event hosted by Bailey & Wood Financial Group (NMLS #2334) and are grateful for their commitment to supporting those in need in our community.

📅 Thursday, November 26, 2026

⏰ 8:30 AM

📍 Freedom Park — Greenwood, Indiana

Grab your family and friends for a fun start to the day—before the football kicks off and the Thanksgiving feast begins.

Whether you join us in person or in spirit, you can register for the race—or make a donation if you can’t attend—at: https://lnkd.in/g8y4JUYF

We can’t wait to see you Thanksgiving morning! 🦃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

UPCOMING EVENTS

September

9 - Board Meeting

12 - Homebound Pantry/Bonus Pantry

25 - Refuge at the Greenwood Farmers Market

October

3- Homebound Pantry/Bonus Pantry

Thanksgiving meal sign up during each pantry - entire month

November

7 - Homebound Pantry/Bonus Pantry

11 - Board Meeting

26 - Turkey Burn

25 - 26 Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Christmas assistance sign up during each pantry - entire month

December

5 - Homebound Pantry/Bonus Pantry

23 - Jan 1 Closed for Christmas Holiday.

January

4 - Reopen Following Holidays

9 - Homebound Pantry/Bonus Pantry

Sign-up to be a Refuge monthly recurring partner.

Pantry Frequent Needs

Pasta: Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce

Boxed Meals: Hamburger/Tuna/Chicken Helper

Beans: canned or dry

Rice: Rice-a-Roni, Bags of Rice (small)

Canned Fruit / Canned Vegetables

Peanut Butter / Jelly

Cereal including oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc...

Hygiene / Cleaning: Clorox/Lysol Wipe



Support the Refuge through Kroger Community Rewards. Follow instructions here to allow a portion of the cost of your purchases to be distributed to the Refuge.



Refuge Amazon Wishlist

Support the Refuge through specific items of need for our programs or building by shopping our Amazon Wishlist.



Tackle Hunger Partner

We are looking for businesses to come along side us in partnership to help those in need in our community.

There are various ways to partner with us: a food drive, round up at time of goods or service payment, company giving fund, percentage of sales for a given time period, or consider what works within your business model for your customers and or staff. The possibilities are limitless!

If you are interested or would like to discuss further, please call our office, (317)889.7338. Thank you for your consideration.

Community Document Shred Day

The Refuge would love to host a FREE Community Document Shred Day—helping our neighbors safely dispose of personal documents while supporting local families facing food insecurity.

Instead of a participation fee, we’ll encourage voluntary donations of non-perishable food or monetary gifts to benefit The Refuge Food Pantry.

The Refuge is currently seeking business sponsors to help make this event possible by covering the cost of the secure shredding service, which starts at approximately $850 for several hours.

If you are interested or would like to discuss further, please call our office, (317)889.7338. Thank you for your consideration.