The Refuge at Dumas

09/02/2026

The willingness to grow is the essence of all spiritual development.

AS BILL SEES IT, p. 171

A line from a song goes, ". . . and I look to find a reason to believe . . ." It reminds me that at one time I was not able to find a reason to believe that my life was all right. Even though my life had been saved by my coming to A.A., three months later I went out and drank again. Someone told me: "You don't have to believe. Aren't you willing to believe that there is a reason for your life, even though you may not know yourself what that reason is, or that you may not sometimes know the right way to behave?" When I saw how willing I was to believe there was a reason for my life, then I could start to work on the Steps. Now when I begin with, "I am willing. . . ," I am using the key that leads to action, honesty, and an openness to a Higher Power moving through my life.

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

The Refuge is more than just a recovery house. It is a place where people who have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction are given a real chance to change. Before coming here, I needed guidance, structure, and support. The Refuge provided all three. They teach more than just how to stay sober, they teach a completely new way to live.
The Refuge creates an environment where people support one another, grow together, and begin to see a future that once felt impossible. Since I arrived here, I have been able to get back on my feet and start rebuilding my life. I have gained hope, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose. That kind of transformation doesn’t happen without the kind of support that organizations like United Way help make possible.
Programs like The Refuge give people the opportunity to change not just their circumstances, but their entire direction in life. I am deeply grateful for the impact it has had on me and for the support that helps keep places like this available for others who need it.

09/01/2026

” Step 10, from the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is a maintenance step focused on daily self-inventory and promptly admitting when you're wrong, allowing for continuous personal growth and preventing the accumulation of resentments or mistakes that could lead to relapse. It involves reflecting on your actions, thoughts, and behaviors throughout the day, identifying shortcomings (like selfishness, dishonesty, or fear), and taking immediate corrective action, such as apologizing or making amends, to keep your "mental house clean" and maintain spiritual equilibrium

09/01/2026

Was going to try a bite and couldn’t stop eating it! Freaking good!

09/01/2026

Real values
Page 255

"We become able to make wise and loving decisions based on principles and ideals that have real value in our lives."

Basic Text, p. 105

Addiction gave us a certain set of values, principles we applied in our lives. "You pushed me" one of those values told us, "so I pushed back, hard." "It's mine" was another value generated by our disease. "Well, okay, maybe it wasn't mine to start with, but I liked it, so I made it mine." Those values were hardly values at all--more like rationalizations--and they certainly didn't help us make wise and loving decisions. In fact, they served primarily to dig us deeper and deeper into the grave we'd already dug for ourselves.

The Twelve Steps give us a strong dose of real values, the kind that help us live in harmony with ourselves and those around us. We place our faith not in ourselves, our families, or our communities, but in a Higher Power--and in doing so, we grow secure enough to be able to trust our communities, our families, and even ourselves. We learn to be honest, no matter what--and we learn to refrain from doing things we might want to hide. We learn to accept responsibility for our actions. "It's mine" is replaced with a spirit of selflessness. These are the kind of values that help us become a responsible, productive part of the life around us. Rather than digging us deeper into a grave, these values restore us to the world of the living.

Just for Today: I am grateful for the values I've developed. I am thankful for the ability they give me to make wise, loving decisions as a responsible, productive member of my community.

Send a message to learn more

08/31/2026

Hello everyone

My name is Kendall Norton and I'm the new director of the Refuge@Dumas. Some of you know that Charles and I have worked towards this for nearly 4 to 5 years. I have been a student of Charles for 13 year with 11 years of sobriety. Just like many know addiction is cunning and baffling. Recovery is a starting point not the final destination. As I step in this position the Refuge@Dumas will continue to try to help men overcome their battles with the help of God and the 12 steps!

Send a message to learn more