About Us
About Us
Welcome to Refined Detroit, where "Belonging is the Mission." We are a grassroots, Black-Female led nonprofit organization situated in the heart of the City of Detroit, Michigan. Since our inception, Refined Detroit has remained committed to uplifting and supporting Black LGBTQ+ survivors in Detroit, providing honoring, empowering, and supportive services designed to foster healing and repair in the wake of victimization. We also take pride in offering comprehensive technical assistance and cultural competency training to our local community partners.
Our Vision: Redefining Metro Detroit Communities Through Building Cultures of Belonging
We aim to transform Metro Detroit communities by building environments where every individual feels a profound sense of belonging. Our multifaceted approach focuses on education, advocacy, and mobilization to address the unique needs and issues affecting LGBTQ+ Black survivors and the wider community. Through our efforts, we seek to ensure that local survivor services are inclusive, reflective, and protective of LGBTQ+ Black survivors and those seeking support.
Survivor Support
At Refined Detroit, we provide extensive support services tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ survivors in Detroit and nearby communities. Our services are grounded in a compassionate approach that honors and empowers survivors, facilitating pathways to healing and repair after episodes of victimization. Recognizing that survivors often encounter multiple layers of intersectional victimization, we ensure that our support extends beyond immediate needs. We offer collaborative referrals to culturally competent and welcoming local community partners, ensuring comprehensive care and ongoing assistance.
Strategic Consulting
Our strategic consulting services are designed around four pivotal foundations of LGBTQ+ survivor support:
- Preparation: A holistic approach that engages everyone from direct support staff to board members.
- Delivery: Tailored approaches crafted to suit the diverse needs of the community.
- Empowerment: Fostering a culture of belonging through every level of interaction.
- Reach: Dedicated outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
Our delivery model incorporates wraparound technical assistance, fostering positive and meaningful opportunities to connect and engage through innovative and nontraditional methods.
Local Initiatives
Refined Detroit is deeply embedded in Metro Detroit, addressing a spectrum of issues that impact the LGBTQ+ Black survivor community. We stand as advocates for meaningful change, pressing for policies and practices that truly reflect the needs and experiences of those we serve.
Faith Connections
Understanding the critical role of faith in many lives, we work relentlessly to support faith-based organizations in bridging the gap between religious beliefs and fostering faith cultures that nurture LGBTQ+ belonging. Our initiatives aim to build inclusive and supportive spiritual communities where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Additional Services We Provide
Beyond our core offerings, Refined Detroit also delivers an array of additional services, including:
- In-Person Emergency Coaching and Crisis Assistance
- Virtual Staff Trainings
- Full-Service Consulting and Collaboration
- Organizational Support Toolkits
- Emergency Coaching and Crisis Assistance
Our Mission: Belonging is the Mission
Refined Detroit is passionately dedicated to bridging gaps and serving as an agent of change for the Black LGBTQ+ community. We stand resolute against the challenges posed by societal oppression and community violence, providing a beacon of hope and support for those who have often faced insurmountable hurdles. Our work is not just about offering services; it’s about transforming lives and communities. This is HEART work.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Refined Detroit, we believe in the power of community and the strength of collective action. We invite you to join us in our mission to build a culture where every individual feels they belong. Whether through volunteering, partnering, or contributing to our cause, your support can make a world of difference. Together, we can bridge gaps and build bridges, bringing hope to the hopeless and creating a future where no one falls through the cracks.