Executive Director - Terebinth Refuge
- Rob Lauer
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Terebinth Refuge is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization based in Waite Park, Minnesota,
on the westside of St. Cloud, dedicated to providing safe housing and comprehensive
support for women aged 18 and older who are survivors of sex trafficking and sexual
exploitation. Established in 2016 and opening doors for service in 2018, the organization
offers a holistic, trauma-informed approach to healing, encompassing physical, mental,
emotional, and spiritual care.
Human trafficking is the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for
labor or sexual services. This is a global issue that operates locally, significantly impacting
communities and leading to long-term physical and psychological trauma. Terebinth Refuge
is fighting back by increasing awareness, encouraging education, and joining coordinated
efforts among law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to support
victims and prevent human trafficking.
Terebinth Refuge’s mission is to bring hope, healing, and freedom to sexually exploited and
trafficked women through a combination of safe shelter, transitional housing, and career
readiness and life skills programming. The organization also operates the Hope & Healing
Store, where residents can gain work experience by producing and selling all-natural
products like bath bombs and soaps.
With a staff of 20 full and part-time employees and numerous committed volunteers,
Terebinth Refuge is poised for continued growth, impact, and ministry throughout
Central Minnesota.
THE MISSION
Terebinth Refuge is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that formed 8 years ago out of the realization that sex trafficking was occurring in the St. Cloud Metropolitan area and throughout
Central Minnesota. By forging close partnerships with law enforcement, social services, churches, local corporations, and many other community groups, Terebinth Refuge has established itself as a safe haven and pathway for recovery for adult women who have been victims of sex trafficking.
Sex trafficking is now the second fastest-growing crime in the world and is a national epidemic that impacts big cities, small towns and everything in between. Estimates suggest that approximately 24,000 individuals fell victim to human trafficking in the US in 2024 with all 50 states reporting instances. Of this, 75% were female, largely due to sex trafficking and the
commercial sex industry. Solely between 2019-2023, Minnesota identified nearly 1000 known human trafficking victims, a number which continues to grow.
Terebinth Refuge exists because the victims of sex trafficking need safe haven and holistic care for their recovery and healing. Terebinth Refuge provides these in a Christ-centric approach,
truly caring for each woman’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Terebinth Refuge’s impact extends beyond Central Minnesota having provided support services to sex trafficking victims from the Upper Midwest and throughout the United States. Terebinth Refuge is a trusted partner within the national sex trafficking rescue and recovery network. Terebinth Refuge also brings education and awareness to Central Minnesota in efforts to prevent human trafficking of all kinds.
THE POSITION
The Executive Director has overall administrative, operational, and public relations responsibility for Terebinth Refuge. In close collaboration with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead in setting the overall strategic vision for Terebinth Refuge and is responsible for its implementation. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises all TR directors and managers.
Please refer to the Opportunity Profile for a full description of the qualifications and expectations of the position.
THE COMMUNITY
Terebinth Refuge is located in the City of Waite Park on the westside of St. Cloud,
Minnesota. The city is situated at the junction of the Mississippi and Sauk rivers and is home
to the St. Cloud State University Huskies. The City of Waite Park is a commercial, retail and
entertainment district and is part of the larger St. Cloud Metropolitan area with 2020 Census
population of 199,671. Just over an hour drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St.
Paul, the St. Cloud metropolitan area offers a smaller town feel, affordable suburban
housing options, and strong school systems.
The area hosts several post-secondary universities including St. Cloud State University, St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict’s. In addition, there are over 160 churches and para-church organizations in Central Minnesota. Waite Park is also home of The Ledge a Red Rocks-style amphitheater that draws many national performing acts each year. Central Minnesota is replete with parks and outdoor activities accompanying its many lakes and rivers.
To view the full Opportunity Profile Click Here
AGORA Search Group is a Colorado Springs search firm providing executive search and selection services to churches and faith-based organizations throughout the world.
Our Senior Director of Ministry Relationships, David Wren, is leading this search. David brings years of experience in recruiting and is passionate about building and spreading ministry both in churches and Christian non-profits. David leads a men’s Bible teaching ministry
with members both in his church and from other churches in his area, and weekly writes a free online devotional called Elevated Discourse. He and his wife, Nikki-Dee, live in Franklin, TN with their three children and three dogs.
For further details regarding this position, please contact:
David Wren
AGORA Search Group
804.477.5481
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