The Refuge Utah

Bridging the Gap for Survivors We are incredibly honored to announce that we have received a $25,000 Community Health Improvement Grant from CommonSpirit Health. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit is dedicated to building a healthier future for all through its vast network of clinics and hospitals. So far in 2026, CommonSpirit Health awarded $1.5 million in grants to 55 organizations across the Mountain Region, and we are proud to be among those selected. This funding is vital to our mission, allowing us to provide the specialized advocacy and resources that survivors of sexual assault need to heal and rebuild. At The Refuge Utah, we know that providing the best possible care for survivors requires more than standard support. It requires a community that steps up to fill the gaps. We are deeply grateful to CommonSpirit Health for their commitment to community health and for standing with us to create lasting, positive change right here in Utah. Together, we are ensuring that every survivor has a clear path to healing and self-sufficiency.

Thank you so much! Your kind effort will help support survivors!

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Last week we had the privilege of attending the UCASA and UDVC Advocacy Days at the Capitol. Service providers, legislators, survivors and the community joined together to connect and advocate for survivors. We were able to meet with several legislators to discuss the importance of legislation and funding that supports survivor well-being. Thank you to Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA)

Mary Crafts, who is the chair of our Capital Campaign Committee, won MountainWest Capital Network Entrepreneur of the year. Mary Crafts is only the second woman in 30 years to win this award. Mary was honored for her business Culinary Crafts that she started 42 years ago and built from the ground up selling cookies and bread in a little red wagon with her kids. Culinary Crafts went on to be the number 1 catering company in the state and won Best of State. She has also been awarded the International Caterer award. After selling the business to her two sons, Mary went on to create Mary Crafts Inc. where she runs her own podcast, doing motivational speaking across the country, life coaching, and recently wrote her own book after hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Mary is a Philanthropist involved in the work of several nonprofits and we were honored she chose to highlight us at this event. Mary has been involved with The Refuge for many years and is determined to help every survivor she can. We were honored to support her yesterday and are thankful for her support to our organization and survivors every day. 💗 Thank you Laura Kinser, Kinser Studios for the beautiful photos! @kinserstudios

This month, we stand united with survivors across Utah. Domestic violence impacts every community — and healing begins when we listen, believe, and stand together. We’re deeply grateful for leaders like Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson, who continue to shine a light on the strength and resilience of survivors, and the importance of ongoing awareness and support. Every voice matters. Every story matters. Every survivor matters. Together, we can build safer, stronger communities — where healing and hope can thrive.

Thank you to the legislators, advocates, and community members who participated in and supported the Dear Utah Campaign! Your voices, compassion, and commitment have made a real difference for individuals and families affected by domestic violence across our state. Together, we’re breaking the silence, fostering understanding, and reminding survivors that they are seen, heard, and not alone. To our partners and volunteers—thank you for helping us share messages of hope, healing, and safety. To Kay Christofferson and Heidi Balderree, thank you for listening, standing with survivors, and supporting meaningful change that strengthens our communities. Healing is a collective effort, and Utah showed up.

✨ Thank You for Empowering Hope ✨ We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us in support of domestic violence survivors. Your presence, your voices, and your compassion are a powerful reminder that we’re stronger together. A special thank you to Dr. Susan R. Madsen for generously sharing her expertise and inspiring us all with her insights and passion. Your leadership continues to light a A Bolder Way Forward for so many. To our incredible community resource partners — thank you for showing up and offering vital support services to those in need. Elevate Utah, Utah County CJC Community Action Services and Food Bank, Flourish Therapy, Inc. Timpanogos Legal Center, Altabank We are especially grateful to Vineyard City for your unwavering support. The help and hospitality we received within the city made this event not only possible but impactful. This is what empowering hope looks like: Community members coming together — to listen, to learn, to uplift, and to create a space where those struggling know they are not alone. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep building safer, more supportive communities — together.

Thank you, Dillard's Inc. ’s, for your incredible partnership and support. We’re deeply grateful for your commitment to standing alongside survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Your passion for creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment made a real difference. Amazingly, Dillard's Inc. in Orem has donated new clothing to survivors to help them on thier journey of healing and hope. Together, we were able to share our message of hope and healing, that survivors deserve to be seen, heard, and supported through trauma-informed, survivor-focused services. Your collaboration helps break the silence and builds a stronger, more compassionate community.