Our House of Central Sandy

Pros

• The Refuge saved her life.
• The staff were knowledgeable and dedicated to helping others restart their lives.
• Elaine was genuinely caring and concerned about her experience.
• The Refuge matched her with Holly, who made a lasting positive impact.
• Holly is smart and real, making clients feel safe and able to open up.
• Holly helped her gain a better sense of self and self-worth.
• The Refuge is a place that changed her life and will always be treasured.
• Elaine and Holly helped her navigate hard things and improve her life.
• The Refuge offers free counseling and other valuable resources.
• The staff are amazing - patient, respectful, enthusiastic, and helpful.
• The Refuge provides powerful resources for victims and is a vital community asset.
• People are grateful for the services, and the community benefits from The Refuge.

Cons

• The reviewer felt shamed for her faith when another guest was triggered, with staff saying that "life isn't fair."
• The reviewer criticized case managers for unclear boundaries about what is acceptable.
• The reviewer said the emergency shelter process gave the run-around and told her the shelter was full, suggesting she go somewhere else.
• The reviewer noted a lot of static on phone calls, hindering communication.
• The reviewer warned that such delays could leave domestic violence victims homeless or push them to stay with their abuser for security.
• The reviewer felt unsupported in managing others' triggers and believed staff did not truly care.
• The reviewer felt her needs as a mother of seven were dismissed, with comments implying that her situation didn't matter and that life isn't fair.

Review

The Refuge in Utah County becomes more than just a place to seek help; it feels like a lifeline when life has unraveled. The author of this experience arrived about a year ago, escaping domestic violence and wanting a path back to safety, stability, and self-worth. The initial impression was that the early therapy offered by the shelter might not be the right fit - an intern therapist, in the writer's view, didn't connect or move things forward. But the staff at The Refuge didn't abandon hope. Elaine reached out with genuine care, listening and validating the deep hurt, and she suggested trying a different therapist. It was a pivotal moment: a second chance, a promise of a better fit, and a willingness to invest in the healing process even when it felt daunting to put trust in someone new. That promise led to a transition to Holly, whose approach would become a turning point in the author's life.

From the moment Holly entered the picture, a shift was clear. The writer describes Holly as smart, real, and capable of creating a sense of safety and trust that allowed for genuine vulnerability - an essential ingredient for unpacking a lifetime of abuse. The therapy room opened a space where the author could begin to quiet an anxious brain and recognize progress that had previously seemed out of reach. Holly helped normalize aspects of experience that often feel overwhelming, offering practical tips for navigating relationships with children, stepchildren, a husband, and a blended family. These sessions did more than chart a path to better behavior; they helped the author rediscover a sense of self-worth and purpose as a person, a wife, and a mother. The relationship with Holly was framed as more than therapy - it was a healthy confidant and sounding board that propelled real, lasting change.

The gratitude toward Elaine and The Refuge itself is palpable. Elaine's role in understanding the family's story and facilitating a better match demonstrates the impact of thoughtful, person-centered care. The writer emphasizes that the right therapist paired with the right kind of therapy can truly alter the course of a life, and attributes much of the observed transformation to the weekly sessions and the supportive framework provided by the staff. The Refuge is described not merely as a service provider but as a gateway to a new life - often free, accessible, and deeply meaningful for someone rebuilding after trauma. The author's voice conveys a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and the safety the organization offered, all of which contributed to a broader restoration that extended beyond the individual to the family as a whole.

Yet the narrative is not without its hard truths. There is an accompanying account of staying at the shelter for two days, during which the rules were followed, and a complex, painful incident occurred. Arriving with seven children, the author hoped to watch General Conference, only to see someone become triggered. In the aftermath, the writer chose to leave the shelter, speaking up about a situation that felt unfair and unsafe. A staff member's response - telling her that life isn't fair and implying that faith or religious expression could be overshadowed by others' triggers - left a lasting sting. The author did not feel supported in her faith or in her need to protect her family's needs, even as she acknowledged that the case managers might have needed to gather and discuss boundaries and what is acceptable in shared spaces. The pain lay in feeling dismissed and judged, a reminder that even in places built to help, sensitivity and nuance must guide every interaction.

Despite this painful moment, the author acknowledges that many colleagues in the shelter are genuinely amazing. A friend's positive experience and the widespread praise for staff like Holly underscore that The Refuge can be a beacon of practical help and compassionate care. The author's testimony also touches on the reality that services may sometimes feel inconsistent, especially in emergency scenarios. There is an admission of frustration with the "run around" for emergency care in domestic violence situations - being told that requests are full or redirected elsewhere - alongside a resilience to keep seeking and pushing for the support that is so desperately needed. This juxtaposition - powerful, life-changing moments alongside frustrating, system-level hurdles - paints a nuanced portrait of an organization striving to do good in a challenging landscape.

Still, the overall message is one of resilience, relocation, and rebuilding. The Refuge is credited with helping the author relocate when fleeing an abusive relationship and with re-establishing a sense of stability and a fresh start. The gratitude extends to practical outcomes - finding a path to safety, securing a new life for the children, and fostering the emotional resilience needed to navigate ongoing challenges. The author emphasizes the profound impact of having access to resources during such a vulnerable time and acknowledges that these services support not just individuals but entire families as they rebuild trust, structure, and hope.

In closing, the experience is framed as a strong testament to the power and necessity of organizations like The Refuge. The author calls attention to the breadth of services available - free counseling, group therapy, crisis support, and connections to shelters - and to the importance of compassionate staff who listen, validate, and empower. The message is clear: the existence of these resources makes a life-changing difference for many victims of domestic violence, offering a pathway to healing, a path to safety, and a foundation on which families can rebuild. For those who need help, the writer encourages reaching out, recognizing that while challenges remain, there is real, accessible support to help people move from survival toward a more secure, hopeful future. The final note is one of enduring gratitude and a sincere blessing for The Refuge and all who contribute to its mission.

This area of Sandy, Utah offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies in close proximity, accessing necessary medications and healthcare services is convenient. There are also several theaters, restaurants, and cafes for entertainment and dining options. Places of worship are easily accessible for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation options such as TRAX stations make it easy to get around the area without the need for a car. Nearby hospitals ensure access to medical care when needed. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded and accessible environment for seniors looking to live comfortably in Sandy, Utah.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Jolley's Sandy Compounding Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Smith's Food & Drug (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Harmon's (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Megaplex Theatres (0.9 miles)
• ZAGG The District (6.3 miles)

Physicians

• Utah Vein Specialists (1 miles)
• Granite Peaks Endoscopy (1.4 miles)
• Grant A Fairbanks, MD - Fairbanks Plastic Surgery (2 miles)
• Alta Pain Physicians (2.3 miles)
• Joseph D. Jensen, MD (2.8 miles)
• Granger Medical Clinic (2.9 miles)
• Southpoint Pediatrics (3 miles)

Restaurants

• Slackwater (1.4 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1.5 miles)
• Los Cucos Mexican Cafe (1.6 miles)
• Schmidt's Pastry Cottage (3 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.1 miles)
• The Original Pancake House Utah - Ft Union (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Utah Islamic Center (2.5 miles)
• Pepperwood Chapel (2.8 miles)
• South Jordan Utah Stake Center (4.3 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (5.1 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (5.1 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (5.9 miles)

Parks

• River Front Park (2.8 miles)
• No Name Park (3.3 miles)
• Wheadon Farm Park (5.8 miles)

Transportation

• TRAX Fashion Place West (4 miles)
• Draper UTA Frontrunner Station (4.7 miles)
• TRAX 4800 West (6.9 miles)
• TRAX Murray North (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Orthopedic Specialty Group - TOSH (4.6 miles)
• Intermountain Medical Center (5.7 miles)
• Riverton Hospital (6.9 miles)

Cafes

• Java Jos (6.3 miles)