“The building is going to be designed completely trauma-informed, sensory friendly. We’re going to have private spaces for people that need, sort of, calm down areas. We want to really build the resilience in children so that we break the cycle of violence and poverty going forward.”
—
Emily Mitcham
Executive Director, Refuge House
Refuge House provides critical support for survivors of domestic violence and their families across the Big Bend region. As the need for safe housing continues to grow, the organization is working to expand its shelter capacity through the creation of the Dawn of Hope Family Center—a new trauma-informed, sensory-friendly environment designed to serve families and children with greater dignity, privacy, and care.
ALW is supporting Refuge House’s fundraising efforts by developing visual graphics that help bring the future center to life. These materials translate the project’s mission into clear, compelling imagery, helping donors, partners, and community members understand both the urgency of the need and the long-term impact of the proposed facility.
The Dawn of Hope Family Center is envisioned as more than an expansion of shelter space. It represents a place of stability for families in crisis, with private areas, calming spaces, and design considerations that respond to the needs of children, including those with sensory sensitivities. Through architectural storytelling, ALW is helping Refuge House communicate how thoughtful design can support healing, strengthen resilience, and help break cycles of violence and instability.
This work reflects ALW’s belief that architecture begins with listening. By pairing design thinking with mission-driven advocacy, we are helping Refuge House share a vision for a safer, more compassionate future—one where families have the space, support, and hope they need to begin again.
