LEBANON, Ind. — Refuge Girls Academy, formerly known as Central Indiana Teen Challenge, officially ceased operations on Sept. 10, ending all physical activity at its 1015 N. Lebanon Street campus. The closure comes as a federal civil lawsuit moves forward, accusing the faith‑based residential facility of widespread violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA).
Allegations in the lawsuit
Attorney Andi Simmons of Indianapolis‑based CohenMalad, LLP, together with Boston’s Justice Law Collective, filed the suit on behalf of 35 former minor residents. The complaint alleges forced, uncompensated manual labor for external commercial enterprises, confinement in a windowless “Safe Room,” forced withdrawal from psychiatric medication, and medical neglect. Plaintiffs also claim the nonprofit, which reported over $3.4 million in revenue in a single year, fed residents rotten food donated from pantries and required them to apply for public food stamps to meet basic needs.
Survivors react to the shutdown
For the survivors, the shutdown represents a significant victory. “All of our clients—literally every last one—when we met with them said, ‘Can we get this place closed down?’” said attorney Simmons. “We always had to say, ‘Well, we don’t have any power to do that.’ They all feel very pleased and thrilled that it’s closed.”
Facility’s status and future
Attempts to reach Refuge Girls Academy management for comment were unsuccessful; phone lines remain unanswered and the organization’s website is offline. While the physical location is no longer operating, questions remain about whether the leadership under Director Dave Rose or the parent entity Indiana Adult & Teen Challenge Inc. will attempt to reorganize under a new commercial entity or relocate to another property.
Legal proceedings continue
Plaintiffs’ attorneys emphasized that the federal civil litigation remains fully active. Both sides are exchanging discovery materials as the court seeks to hold the institution financially and legally accountable for the alleged abuses.
The closure of Refuge Girls Academy underscores ongoing concerns about oversight of faith‑based residential programs and the need for vigilant protection of vulnerable youth.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
