House of Refuge/Refuge Outreach Ministries opens new location

Tonya Flowers, Founder and Director of House of Refuge/Refuge Outreach Ministries.



Bright colors, tiny handprints and words of wisdom decorate the walls in the new location at 101 S. Main Street, Darlington. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Tonya Flowers, Founder and Director of House of Refuge/Refuge Outreach Ministry, is excited to announce a new chapter in her organization’s journey: the opening of a new location at 101 S. Main St. in Darlington. The grand opening ceremony will take place on January 3rd at 12 noon, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing mission to support victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Flowers, a Darlington native and wife of Bishop Bobby L. Flowers Jr., has dedicated her life to helping others since she received her first call for assistance more than a decade ago. At the time, Flowers was working at Bojangles and began aiding victims of domestic abuse however she could. Recognizing the pressing need for safe spaces, she later established a Safe House on Cashua Street, providing refuge to those fleeing dangerous and unstable situations.
Through her organization, Flowers offers vital resources to victims, including a free Clothes Closet for individuals who leave their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. The Clothes Closet also operates a voucher system to assist students within the local school district. In addition, House of Refuge/Refuge Outreach Ministry organizes Domestic Violence Walks to raise awareness and foster community efforts to combat domestic abuse.
Since their inception, Flowers’ organizations have provided long-term support to more than 394 individuals, offering six months to a year of assistance to help victims rebuild their lives. “It’s about more than just helping someone in the moment,” Flowers explained. “It’s about giving them the tools and the time they need to find stability, hope, and a future.”
In addition to her work with the ministry, Flowers is the author of There is a Way Out, a book that chronicles her journey and the beginning of this life-changing mission. She is also proud to introduce her organization’s latest initiative, A.I.M.E. — Accept the call, Impart in others, Mentor others, and Excel in whatever you do. A.I.M.E. will aim to inspire individuals to not only overcome adversity but to empower others to do the same.
The new facility at 101 S. Main St. represents a beacon of hope for the Darlington community. “This new location is a dream come true,” said Flowers. “It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of everyone who has walked through our doors, and it’s a reminder that help is always available.” The office is also expanding its vision and services to raise Bullying Awareness and Suicide Prevention.
The public is invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and learn more about the vital work being done by House of Refuge/Refuge Ministries. For more information, please contact Tonya Flowers at the organization’s new location or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/batteredwomen2013/?locale=en_GB&_rdr
House of Refuge continues to be a lifeline for those in need, one step closer to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and creating a safer, more compassionate community.