At 5 Sparrows we craft our drink mixes and coffee creamers to support people in pursuing a healthier lifestyle without losing the sweetness of their daily rituals.

We believe that true well-being includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We aim to do our part in helping others achieve that through the products we make and the profits we donate.

A portion of our profits support domestic abuse support groups, like Refuge Ministries and women’s shelters in various regions of the country to help families in crisis.

We want to see a world where health and safety is accessible to everyone. We can’t think of anything sweeter than being a part of that.

We show our fierce commitment to women’s advocacy by supporting groups that empower survivors of domestic abuse: refugeministries.com. We're obsessed with flavor, precision, and most importantly, connection. Our passion these days is figuring out how to best empower our people on their journey toward better health and happiness through something as simple as a sweet treat you can feel good about.

We’re devoted not only to the company we run but the company we keep. And we’re humbled for the opportunity to be a part of your story.

We recently sat down with our friends at Refuge Ministries to learn more about their organization and mission. 

1. What inspired the creation of Refuge Ministries, and how has its mission evolved over time?

Around 2010, Shane Waldron, the founder of Refuge Ministries, as the Associate Pastor in Kalispell of Faith Covenant Presbyterian Church established a support group for survivors in his church he had been counseling. Lloyd Pierson, the Senior Pastor, started a group for abusive men called Turning Point.

As the support group developed Shane wrote a workbook for leaders of support groups and the survivors. The group was designed to allow women to enter and exit the group at any time. Lessons are presented at the discretion of the leader based on the needs of the current clients.

As others heard about the group and Shane’s expertise in responding to abuse, they sought out training and started groups in other churches. There are currently eight chapters throughout the United States from Anchorage, Alaska to York, Pennsylvania.

A national board was formed in 2021 with regional directors overseeing and providing resources for the Western and Eastern halves of the United States.

2. How does Refuge Ministries empower women to reclaim their lives after experiencing domestic abuse?

A fundamental principle of the Refuge ministry to women is that the women who have suffered under domestic violence must be allowed to regain their voices. The support groups provide ample opportunities for the women to share their stories in a safe environment and come to understand abuse biblically. Through the Lord’s love and guidance, women begin once again to know their gifting and value gaining the confidence necessary to live their lives in freedom.

The lessons in the workbook are grouped under the categories of “See the Abuse, Achieve Safety, Find Healing in Christ, and Establish New Patterns.” These lessons lead the women to both understand what has been done to them by their abusive partners and their freedom to move forward in healing.

3. What are some of the key services and resources Refuge Ministries offers to help survivors overcome the challenges they face?

The support group is the number one resource for survivors. Over and over we hear that the group provides the all-important place of safety for understanding and sharing their stories of abuse leading to healing from the trauma. Because a survivor can enter the group at any time or leave when ready, the group is tailored to fit the needs of clients.

In addition, a Mentor is assigned to each survivor to walk with her through the healing process outside the support group. Mentors can help the survivor find resources or simply be a shoulder to cry on. Mentors often attend court dates, find financial help, or help the survivor process their trauma over coffee.

Refuge Ministries also provides materials for local chapters to establish a Kids’ Refuge. Trauma informed games and activities are provided freely to a local chapter to minister to the children of survivors as they meet in support groups.

4. Can you share any success stories of women who have found redemption and hope through Refuge Ministries?

The following are notes from Refuge clients:

“Refuge gave me strong women mentors who listened compassionately and clarified instances of abuse I shared and encouraged my growth. Our group of attendees became friends I cared for in their confusing and hurtful situations, and we supported each other because we understood. Refuge’s program taught me what God's Word says in reference to abuse and that I am His beloved daughter. This program and the love and support I felt were invaluable to me as I grew and made necessary and positive decisions for myself.” [Refuge Client in Pennsylvania]

“[The Refuge] gave me training to be able to give back to the community, and support in moving on in healthy ways. I went from feeling hopeless, suicidal and without purpose to finding healing from the many years of abuse through the programs at the Refuge.” [Refuge Client in Montana]

5. How does Refuge Ministries partner with local companies, communities and organizations to raise awareness and provide resources for domestic abuse survivors?

Refuge chapters often partner with local domestic violence organizations to present seminars and provide resources. An example: The Lander, Wyoming Refuge has for several years shared the cost of presenting major speakers with local agencies. Lundy Bancroft, Rachael Denhollander, Darby Strickland, and other seminars have been a joint effort. In addition, the local Alliance Against Domestic Violence sends women to Refuge for support groups if they are “religious” as they recognize the particular help Refuge can give to these women.

6. What challenges do you see in the fight against domestic abuse today, and how is Refuge Ministries addressing those challenges?

Domestic violence continues to be misunderstood by the public at large and particularly within the Christian church. However, the publicity of the abusiveness of highly visible leaders both in and outside the church has brought more attention to the problem and many people are seeking to understand abuse better. As the percentage of women who are abused is between 25-35% according to most studies, most people know someone who has been abused. An important challenge for us is to help them understand the complexities of abuse and the counter-intuitive ways we must respond to a survivor’s report of abuse. Refuge is seeking opportunities to provide training for churches and has received a grant from the Gianeforte Foundation in Montana to present seminars in Montana. But there is much to do in this area!

7. How can the broader public get involved in supporting Refuge Ministries' mission and helping survivors in their own communities?

It is firstly most helpful to get training in abuse to respond well to a survivor’s report of abuse. The healing of the survivor is greatly aided by those who respond with empathy and concern, hearing the story without judgment.

Secondly, consideration should be given to starting a support group. It is not expensive and is a very practical way of bringing healing to those who have or are suffering from domestic violence.

Thirdly, Refuge Ministries of North America as well as each chapter are supported by donors. Funds are used to provide workbooks and financial help to clients, train Mentors and churches, and expand the ministry to more communities.

And, finally we seek the prayers of those who see the need. Ultimately, the Lord will provide for the ministry and we must rely upon Him to give direction and help to the ministry as we seek to support survivors and their families.

8. What are some of the long-term goals and visions you have for Refuge Ministries in continuing to serve and empower survivors?

Refuge Ministries of North America is among a number of excellent ministries throughout the United States in supporting survivors and the number of ministries is growing all the time.

Refuge is a unique ministry in both the quality of the support group workbook and the accessibility of the ministry as an open entry / open exit program. There are no waitlists and normally all ministry takes place in person.

We believe Refuge Ministries provides a valuable resource and we are praying for the expansion of the ministry throughout the United States and internationally. We have had discussions and requests for training in many localities, but have had a limited number of opportunities to do those trainings.

In addition, we desire to develop the Turning Point (ministry to abusers) curriculum for the expansion of that ministry beyond the Kalispell chapter.

9. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an advocate for women facing domestic abuse, whether in their personal lives or through organizations like Refuge Ministries?

Firstly, it is important to understand the personal costs involved. It is incredibly rewarding to be honored with hearing the stories of survivors, but there is also such a thing as “secondary trauma.” Some are wonderful advocates but can only handle so much hearing the heartbreaking stories of survivors. To be effective, an advocate must have significant empathetic abilities and yet such empathy can drive a person to despair.

Secondly, for those of us who do hear the stories and see women get free and see healing, it is one of the most satisfying ministries a person can be involved in. There is nothing better than to see a woman years later who has been free of her abusive partner and has regained her voice. Or a husband who has completed Turning Point and his marriage is on the mend because he has sought the Lord in repentance and has truly turned from his sin.