History

The Women’s Refuge of St. Johns County was founded by Joan and Ed Clements in 2004.  Their vision began in 2000 when Joan visited the St. John’s County Jail to bring God’s message of hope to women there.  Joan would go home after visiting the jail feeling as if there was more that could and should be done for the women she met.  Serving Christ in a correctional facility awakened her perception that some women were ready to commit to a real change and a new beginning in their lives.  Joan saw the picture in that facility as being incomplete, without providing a bridge from readiness to restoration.
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During the next several months, steps were taken to establish a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. Because of an initial generous donation, start-up costs were met and a home and property were purchased.  The doors of the Women’s Refuge were opened and the first resident was accepted in February of 2005.  Joan’s passion toward helping women find hope and healing encouraged the desire for women to change through accountability and instruction.

Joan’s servitude and commitment are revealed as…
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Lives are transformed.  Hope is restored.  Responsibility is instilled.  Broken and hurting hearts are healed.  Productivity replaces inactivity.  Acceptance replaces rejection.  Love abounds.  Lives are completely changed!  

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and he will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, destroy them.

~Deuteronomy 33:27