Reeds' Refuge Center is a non-profit organization in Wilmington, DE, dedicated to the holistic development and well-being of children and financially afflicted families in the inner city. The organization serves as a safe haven from violence, drugs, and guns by helping youth discover their creative potential. Daily, the center provides a safe space for nearly 100 youth to express themselves and seek inspiration in the arts. Its core services include dance, multi-media, music, culinary arts, fashion design, audio engineering, and counseling. The mission is to protect and educate children and restore neighborhoods through a unique combination of arts, music, and life skills. The organization holds a rating of 4.70 based on 33 reviews.
The center operates under the motto "Seek Refuge in the Arts" and focuses on transformation, agility, persistence, compassion, and unconditional love. In six years, the organization has mentored over 1,000 children, maintaining a 75% student retention rate. More than 80% of the students served come from low to moderate income families, and more than 60% are being raised by a single parent. 100% of the students served are identified as at-risk. The team includes Frederick Reed as Chief Financial Officer, A. J. Harding as a Counselor, and Uriel Ben Israel as a Multi-media Instructor. Notable accomplishments include winning the 2017 Jefferson Awards for Community Excellence and becoming the first grantee from the BeLikeFrank Foundation. The organization also runs the Safe City Project and the Youth Against Violence program.
Located at 1601 Pine St, the center is situated in a neighborhood rich with community resources. It is about a quarter of a mile from the H. Fletcher Brown Boys Club and the H. Fletcher-Brown Boys and Girls Club. Brandywine Mills Park is located about a third of a mile away, and the Brandywine Village Historic District is also within a short distance. East 16th Street runs nearby, providing access to the area. Office hours are between 7:30 am and 6 pm.
Reeds' Refuge Center stands among the strongest in its category locally, with a strong local reputation reflected in its consistently high ratings. The organization’s work in changing literacy and providing a safe haven for at-risk youth in Wilmington is a testament to its impact on the community.
Reeds' Refuge Center is a vital part of Wilmington's non-profit landscape, offering a unique blend of arts and life skills to protect and educate the city's children.