Terebinth Refuge invites community members, businesses, churches and local leaders to attend the free RISE Fundraising Breakfast on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Park Event Center in Waite Park. The event will help the community understand and prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking while raising funds for Terebinth Refuge’s renewed Community Advocacy Program and new Program House.
Opening this fall, the Program House will include a welcoming Drop-in Center where women impacted by sexual exploitation and trafficking – including mothers with children – can receive individualized advocacy, connect with community resources, meet basic needs and choose their own next steps. Services will include hot meals, food and hygiene supplies, clothing, diapers, shower and laundry facilities, survivor support groups, life-skills programming, job training, technology access and a safe area for children.
“A bed can provide safety for a night, but rebuilding a life takes more,” said Noelle Volin, Executive Director of Terebinth Refuge. “Survivors need meaningful choices, trusted relationships and a community willing to walk beside them. This Program House will allow us to meet women where they are and help create pathways toward lasting hope, healing and freedom.”
Rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity, the Catholic Church opposes all forms of human trafficking and modern slavery. Because every human life is sacred and worthy of respect, the Catholic Church has long advocated for ending human trafficking and supporting survivors of exploitation.
“This is not some far-away problem that the Church speaks about,” said Kateri Mancini, diocesan director of Social Concerns. “This is a reality within our own central Minnesota communities. We, as the local Church, are called to uphold the dignity of our neighbors impacted by trafficking in all its forms. Events like this, and all our grassroots efforts towards awareness, education, advocacy and action, joins with that of the Universal Church in speaking not only of the issue, but into the solution.”
Through the broader Community Advocacy Program, Terebinth Refuge will also expand community education, outreach, referral pathways and partnerships across Central Minnesota. Since 2018, the organization has received more than 1,000 requests for service and served 161 survivors. In 2026 alone, it has served more than 50 women and 15 children. The renewed model reflects feedback from survivor leaders, former residents, community partners and funders.
Two Fireside Chats will help guests understand the issue and identify practical ways to strengthen prevention and survivor support. The first will feature survivor leaders and subject matter experts Joy Friedman, founder of The Missing Peace; Angel Mays-Andrews, founder of Next Level Youth; and Lindsay Arf, nonprofit consultant and trainer. The second will feature Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall; former Waite Park Police Chief and Terebinth Refuge board member Dave Bentrud; and youth volunteer Bella Washburn. Both discussions will be moderated by Volin. KSNI journalist Jennifer Lewerenz will serve as emcee.
“This is an opportunity for our entire community to rise together,” Volin said. “Whether someone gives, volunteers, creates a community connection or helps more people understand the need, each person
has a role in building a community where survivors and their children can move forward with dignity, freedom and hope.”
EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 | Breakfast and fellowship at 7:30 a.m.; program from 8:00-9:00 a.m. | Park Event Center, 500 Division Street, Waite Park | Free; advance registration required by September 7. Register at www.terebinthrefuge.org/RISE. The fundraising goal is $150,000.