Past Resident Tells her Story of Triumph and Overcoming Adversity

Past resident tells her story of triumph and overcoming adversity
By Brenda Sposato

(VERO BEACH, FL) The Women’s Refuge of Vero Beach recently added
another graduate to their list this summer. Artesia, 24, a one-year
success story, arrived at the Refuge, suffering from anxiety,
depression and a broken heart. Today she’s free and thankful to God
and the organization for giving her a second chance at life.

Like many others who arrive at the Refuge desperate for help, Artesia
thought she was too broken to be used by God. She shared a heartfelt
testimony at her recent graduation held at the center.

There she explained her need for the program. “I was incredibly
insecure, anxious and could barely speak or look anyone in the eye. I
remember the first couple of months of being here, sitting around the
dinner table every night…hands shaking, head down, so ashamed of who
I had become. Since then, I’ve learned that God not only draws near to
the brokenhearted but that my brokenness may be the very thing God
uses to glorify Him.”

Artesia has a renewed faith. She said, “I can’t help but smile every
time I think of all the ways God has blessed me this past year… He’s
given me a second chance at life. I thank Him for the Refuge and all
who have supported me.”

The Refuge’s approach to care is unique. They use a combination of
Christian counseling, a daily regimen of work, personal/group biblical
studies and cognitive behavioral therapy as part of an integrative
approach to contribute to mental health, well-being and recovery.
Whether two-weeks or two years, the women who register in their
program must be committed to change and transformation.

The Refuge also offers community counseling services for individuals,
family, adolescents and married couples. Christian support groups are
also available throughout the year for the community: Bible study,
sexual abuse, overcomers, anger management and conquering
codependency. Please contact the organization for signup and
registration deadlines.

“When women come through our doors, they receive counseling,
structured discipleship and solid Christian teachings and principles
to help them overcome their pain and challenging issues they are
facing. No one is denied services and many, like Artesia, receive
healing inside and out in areas where they need it most,” said
organization’s founder Donna Lee Robart who believes it’s a labor of
love to serve those who are emotionally and spiritually wounded.

Since the Women’s Refuge doesn’t receive government funding, they rely
solely on local businesses, churches, family foundations and
individual donors to support their mission. The organization has
served the Treasure Coast since 1997 and offers a unique spiritual
approach to care. For more information on how you can volunteer or
support this ministry, please visit WomensRefugeVB.org or call
772.770.4424. You can donate online or mail your checks to PO Box
1484, Vero Beach, FL 32961.

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Nikki Kalin

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