Terebinth Refuge is a hope and healing center for sexually exploited and trafficked women.

They partner with numerous organizations and programs throughout the state including Safe Harbor Minnesota, a state-led organization that increases awareness, understanding, and identification of the commercial sexual exploitation of youth of all genders.

Terebinth Refuge is a Christ-centered shelter and safe home providing safe, short-term emergency shelter, longer-term transitional housing, and a variety of on-site services to help women attain their individual goals toward recovery and independence. They are located in Waite Park.

Terebinth Refuge offers four main areas of care. They include the body (physical wellness), mind (mental wellness), soul (self-discovery) and spirit (faith discovery.)

The shelter at Terebinth features four phases the women go through to graduate from the shelter to a transitional-type home, allowing the residents to practice independent living skills while having the continued support of staff as needed. The four phases typically take about 18 months to complete.

At Phase 4, residents will still meet with their case manager and primary advocate as they prepare for their life outside of Terebinth Refuge.

A study conducted by the Minnesota Dept. of Health in 2020, indicated that at least 5,000 high school-age youth in the state have traded  sex in order to receive  money, food, drugs, alcohol, a place to stay or something else of value.

““This alarming study shows there are many young people all across the state who need protection from sexual exploitation,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “We must do more to connect with youth through our Safe Harbor program, educational programs and other efforts providing them with financial security and safe homes.”

St. Cloud and its surrounding communities are known by local law enforcement to have high demand for commercial sex. Until Terebinth Refuge opened in April of 2018, survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking did not have a dedicated shelter in the St. Cloud area

Cynthia Terlouw (CeCe) is the Founder and Executive Director of Terebinth Refuge. CeCe was raised in Arden Hills, MN and graduated from Mounds View High School, receiving a full athletic scholarship to the University of Minnesota, where she received her B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and a dance minor. After graduation, her passion for helping others led to positions at the Home of the Good Shepherd, Outreach Group Homes, and the Hennepin County Home School.

DeAnn Burns of Becker is the Development Director at Terebinth Refuge and she is passionate about spreading the word about the company she works for and the assistance they can provide. The Refuge offers nine shelter beds for women 18 and up and for women who have a small child five years old and under.

“Capacity fluctuates as it is so difficult for a survivor to make the brave decision to leave her trafficker and come into the program,” says Burns. “After graduating from phase three, if a survivor does not have a safe place to go to, she can decide to enter phase four — our transition house — while she finds employment and saves money for an apartment.”

Typically, Terebinth Refuge receives women in these vulnerable conditions either by referral or a direct call by the victim. Terebinth has a crisis line (320-428-4707) and women are asked to fill out an intake questionnaire.

“The program is a home setting so the costs are the same as they would be for one’s own home,” said Burns. 

Costs for the program mainly goes towards the staff of mental health providers, registered nurses, survivor advocates, around-the-clock advocates, program and housing managers, administrative staff and leadership staff.

“These are funded primarily through individuals and businesses that align with our mission and offer financial support,” Burns says. “There is not a cost to the survivor.”

Terebinth Refuge is funded by donations from individuals, businesses and churches that align with the organization’s mission, offering much-needed financial support. 

Food, supplies and necessities are also provided to the women  by generous donors that fill their pantry full of dry goods, paper products and cleaning supplies.

“We purchase what we need to fill in for each week’s menu,” said Burns. “The residents take turns picking the meals and cooking them.”

Many of the women Terebinth serves have been exploited since childhood, and have experienced trauma, homelessness, and abuse. All the women they serve have a history of commercial sexual exploitation, abuse, homelessness, and poverty. All women live below the poverty level.

Without intervention, many women who are trafficked or exploited have a higher chance of experiencing early death due to homicide, suicide, or drug overdose—they are often trapped in a life of exploitation and abuse, to support themselves and their children.

Significance of the Terebinth (Oak) Tree

Throughout the Old Testament, Terebinth and Oak are referred to and interchanged. Terebinth trees develop a large deep root system and are highly resilient and therefore remain green in years of drought. Because of its large size and great shade, terebinth trees were places of significance, well known landmarks in the scriptures, also seen as a resting place of shelter. The word used in Isaiah 61:3 which is often translated “ram” as its root, refers to strength and power and can also mean “pillar” referring to a strong leader.

“That they may be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” — Isaiah 61:3

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking/exploitation - Terebinth Refuge is available to help. Call or text the crisis line at 320-428-4707.

If you are in immediate danger call 911.

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or text “Help” to BEFREE (233733)