About Us
Casa Refugio was founded in 1996 by Jorge Navedo, a graduate of Teen Challenge, as an outreach ministry of Templo el Refugio church where he is senior pastor.  In 2004, Casa Refugio became a separate legal entity with a governing board of directors in order to increase its reach.

At Casa Refugio, we accomplish our mission by providing food and housing (we currently have a total of 15 beds in our 3  Southside Bethlehem residences), faith-based equipping and guidance, care and training with the goal of participants becoming drug-free responsible citizens and heads of households who will contribute to the well-being of their community.

Participants who desire the help Casa Refugio offers are first interviewed for sincerity in their desire to change.  If admitted, participants are expected to commit to a one year program.  The first phase of the program (Discipleship) is 6 months and is centered around a solid curriculum of spiritual and life skills training as well as counseling from independent mental health professionals and assistance in getting needed medical care.  We partner with area organizations and utilize government services to provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care.  The second 6 month phase (Leadership) is focused on developing good character and learning to take responsibility for oneself and for others.  

As of February 2012, Casa Refugio is the official Induction Center for Spanish-speaking men for Teen Challenge of Rehresberg, PA.   For those who qualify, there is the opportunity to transfer to Teen Challenge after approximately 4 months at Casa Refugio.

Participation in Casa Refugio is completely voluntary and participants are free to leave whenever they choose.   But while in the program, we require accountability, discipline and personal responsibility as well as some community service and, for Phase 2 participants, work in our Custodial, Carpentry & Apartment Reconditioning Services business.  We operate this business to generate revenues that fund our program with the goal of one day becoming a largely self-sustaining program.  The business also provides vocational training to program participants. 

After graduation, there is the option for those who need it to move into our transition house where residents are expected to hold a job and pay rent.  This option allows for a safer re-entry to society by providing accountability and continued participation in program classes and meetings as the work schedule allows. 
 
For graduates who remain in the community, we offer an ongoing support group to encourage the men and provide accountable relationships. 
 
Casa Refugio is a 501(c)(3) non-profit PA corporation and a PA registered charity that relies primarily on contributions, business revenues and volunteers in order to provide care at little or no cost to the participant.

Casa Refugio's success rate is near 62% with over 175 men participating in the program since its inception in 1996.