Refuge for Women is pleased to announce that we have hired a new President, Abby Germer!
Abby Germer has a long and impactful history with Refuge for Women – from launch team volunteer to Chairman of the Board of Directors to Program Director to Executive Director – and now to serve as our President. She has developed and led our North Texas location with a huge heart of passion for the women in our program and dedication to the mission of the organization.
We are very excited about this new season at Refuge for Women under Abby’s seasoned leadership with her collaborative approach to ministry. Exciting times are ahead as we continue to increase our year-over-year impact; and, we couldn’t have gotten to this point without your support!
Abby will build upon these incredible accomplishments the organization has realized already this year, including:
- Operating in six locations with 9 homes that are serving sexually exploited women from across the United States
- Opening a new Transitional Living Program in the Texas Gulf Coast location
- Retooling our processes and programs for an even greater impact on the lives of the women we serve
- Serving 81 women in our 3-phase and after-care programs and have provided 5,559 safe nights this year
- Obtaining staffing, funding, and community support to open our next Emergency House in Pittsburgh, PA (September launch)
- Preparing to launch the 3rd phase of our program via an Emergency House in Las Vegas (October launch).
David Diers
National Board Chair, Refuge for Women
A NOTE FROM ABBY
Hey there Refuge for Women Community!
I am so excited to take this next step in our Refuge for Women journey by stepping into this national leadership role! God planted this mission and vision in 2009 and we will honor this legacy by continuing His work through us.
Our mission is to empower sexually exploited women to live a life of freedom through faith-based, residential healing programs. Our vision is for every woman who is sexually exploited to have the hope, support, and tools needed to pursue her dreams and live a life of freedom.
Over the years, we have expanded our services to six different locations and I wholeheartedly believe Refuge for Women sets a high standard when it comes to serving women who have been trafficked and exploited sexually. I treasure the many opportunities I have had over the years to get to know and journey with the residents who have come through our program! We indeed are ONE organization working together to bring hope and healing.
Our staff, board members, volunteers, and the community at all locations are committed to seeing that our ministry model operates at its highest level. God is honored when we all come together for a purpose greater than ourselves, which provides us a glimpse of what His Kingdom is like. I look forward to the days ahead as we continue to partner together providing hope and healing to others!
Get to know abby
Abby Germer has been passionate about Human Trafficking since 2009 when she found herself helping women in the Red Light District of Mumbai, India. From there she decided she wanted to devote her time serving and giving back to women who have been exploited.
Abby was on the startup team for Refuge for Women North Texas in 2015 where she initially served as Board Chair. In 2017, Abby came on staff as Program Director and has been serving as the Executive Director since 2018. Her years of experience in both non-profit work and walking alongside survivors have helped her gain insight and made her more passionate about this cause. She has served on multiple Trafficking Task Forces, Coalitions, and Awareness Panels over the years, providing expertise and raising awareness on best practices when serving in this field. She values teamwork, collaboration, and serving others so that both the overall mission and people can be successful.
She has been married to her husband, Jon, for 21 years and they reside in Argyle, Texas. They have two beautiful daughters; Trinity who is a Junior at Tarleton State University and Kamryn who is a Senior in High School. Her family currently attends Cross Timbers Community Church and in her spare time, she loves to travel, cook, and be outdoors (preferably by a pool, lake, or ocean). She and Jon are looking for new hobbies as “empty nesting” is on the horizon and they are ready to enjoy it!
Through her testimony with God, one of her core beliefs is remaining steadfast in our journey. She has seen God move through Refuge for Women over the years and is honored to serve in this new role!
