City of Refuge Athens
We exist to bring light, hope, and transformation
to individuals, children, and families living in crisis
in the Athens, Georgia area.
City of Refuge Athens was founded in October 2018 by Geoff and Connie Rushing.
Geoff is a retired pastor from Grace Fellowship Church and he and Connie have big hearts for service and a deep love and compassion for people in need. They began as City of Hope Athens with the vision of bringing hope to those in the Athens area who are living in crisis and who feel that there is no way up or out. In 2021, COHA transitioned to City of Refuge Athens. Along with their faithful volunteers and supporters, they work to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of underserved individuals, families, and children in Clarke, Oconee, and Barrow Counties.
CCSD Elementary School Counselor:
“City of Refuge Athens is a wonderful outreach and ministry to the students and community of the Clarke County School District. They not only recognize the physical needs of our community, but the emotional and spiritual needs as well. The supplies, donations, and programs they have developed influence the whole child. They take a very personal perspective and have met with our counseling staff on multiple occasions to listen and identify specific needs for our students, families, and even staff! They are a phenomenal outreach and serve with compassion!”
CCSD Elementary School SITE Coordinator:
“We have a wonderful partnership with City of Refuge Athens. They help the whole Clarke County School District with needs - mattresses, grocery boxes, weekend snack bags, hygiene products, snacks for after school programs, school uniforms, and shoes. They helped with turkey dinners and Christmas gifts for families in need. City of Refuge Athens does a lot for the schools and the community. We are very grateful to have their support.”
Client:
“I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for the food distribution on Thursday. We have been struggling (like a lot of people) and it helped us tremendously. I was able to make a nice breakfast this morning and my kiddo was able to have some fun snacks that he hasn’t had for a while. From the bottom of my heart…thank you!”
A Heart of Service
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor, freedom for the brokenhearted, new eyes for the blind, and to preach to the prisoners, 'You are free!'
Luke 4:18
