Reeds Refuge

Fred and Cora Reed wearing award medals at a recognition event

OUR STORY

A family’s belief.
A city’s possibility.

Reed’s Refuge archive · Wilmington, DE

Seek Refuge in the Arts　 ◆　 A place to learn, create and belong　 ◆　 Building brighter futures in Wilmington　 ◆　 Seek Refuge in the Arts　 ◆　 A place to learn, create and belong　 ◆　 Building brighter futures in Wilmington　 ◆　

Seek Refuge in the Arts　 ◆　 A place to learn, create and belong　 ◆　 Building brighter futures in Wilmington　 ◆　 Seek Refuge in the Arts　 ◆　 A place to learn, create and belong　 ◆　 Building brighter futures in Wilmington　 ◆　

OUR ROOTS

A lifetime of
showing up.

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Rooted in Wilmington. Built around people.

Our beginning

The Reed family’s journey of service began long before Reed’s Refuge Center had a name. In 1997, Cora Reed began serving children through an in-home childcare program. In 2005, the family opened Ribbons & Bows Learning Center, followed by Read to Learn Academy in 2009. Those years of hands-on work with children and families revealed a larger need: young people also needed safe, creative spaces beyond the classroom where they could be mentored, challenged and exposed to possibilities they might not otherwise see.

In 2012, Frederick and Cora Reed launched Reed’s Refuge Center in Wilmington with a mission rooted in prevention, creativity, education and love. The Safe City Project became an early expression of that mission, using youth voice and the arts to promote positive choices and push back against violence.

Why “Reed’s Refuge”?

The word refuge is intentional. Reed’s Refuge was created to be a place where children can step away from the pressures, violence, instability and limitations that can surround them and enter a space of safety, creativity, belonging and possibility.

“Seek Refuge in the Arts” is more than a motto. It reflects the belief that music, dance, media, education, technology and creative expression can become pathways to confidence, discipline, healing, purpose and opportunity.

THE STORY BEHIND THE LOGO

Love being poured
back into the city.

Reed's Refuge Center logo in white

The red diamond at the heart of the Reed’s Refuge logo represents something precious, strong and worth protecting. The structure surrounding it and the Wilmington skyline represent Reed’s Refuge standing in the middle of the community, rooted there, serving there and committed to its people.

From the beginning, the vision was simple but powerful: a hurting city needed love. For the Reed family, that love is rooted in faith and the belief that God is love. Reed’s Refuge was created to pour that love back into children, families and neighborhoods through the arts, education, mentorship, opportunity and hope.

That meaning remains at the center of the organization today: Reed’s Refuge will continue to serve, continue to build and continue to pour love back into the city. We will not disappear. We will not go away. We will keep fighting for the mission and for the young people we were called to serve.

A PERMANENT HOME

Rooted here.

Building here.

In 2020, Reed’s Refuge purchased its building in Wilmington, a major step toward creating a permanent home for the mission. Construction and redevelopment have continued as the organization works toward a larger vision: a comprehensive Developmental Center where youth and families can access arts, education, technology, workforce development, performance, wellness and community resources in one place.

Explore the Development Center  →

OUR MISSION

Why we’re here.

To protect and educate children and strengthen neighborhoods through a unique combination of arts, music, education, mentorship and life skills.

OUR VISION

What we believe
is possible.

A community where every child is safe, supported and equipped to reach their full potential.

OUR CORE VALUES

The principles

behind the work.

Transformation

We believe people, families and communities can grow when given opportunity, support and belief.

Agility

We respond creatively to changing needs and meet young people where they are.

Persistence

We keep showing up, keep building and keep moving the mission forward.

Compassion

We serve with empathy, dignity and respect.

Love

Love is the foundation of the refuge we seek to create for every child and family we serve.

OUR JOURNEY

From one family.
For generations to come.

1997

01 / 8 chapters

A family’s calling.

The Reed family’s childcare service journey begins through an in-home program.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

A story still being written. Be part of what comes next.

Carry the Reed family’s vision forward through safe spaces, creative opportunities and lasting support for Wilmington’s young people.

Donate  → Become a partner  → Schedule a tour  →