Refuge on the Ridge has become the latest organization to receive a life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, marking AED placement number 83 in the foundation’s ongoing community initiative. The AED was officially placed at the Refuge on January 13.
Refuge on the Ridge Office Manager Melissa Hilligoss, who has been with the organization for two years, shared insight into how the ministry began and the importance of partnerships that helped bring it to life. Hilligoss explained that the early vision for Refuge on the Ridge was formed through connections at Highpoint Church, where she met Pastor Andy Blair. Pastor Jack later helped further connect the group as plans developed.
“We would meet in the youth room and plan/dream with a small group,” Hilligoss said. “We soon began renovating and preparing for our first guy in July of 2020.”
Hilligoss and her husband moved onto the Refuge property in March of 2024, allowing her to work more closely with Pastor Andy and the daily operations of the program…