Meet the Family Refuge Village Team

Lynn Lewis is currently the CEO and Founder of The Family Refuge Village. Prior to her current role she has an extensive background in social services below is a list of her career accomplishments: •Executive Branch and Regional Director for Bethany Christian Services Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Wyoming operations. •Area Manager for Hennepin County overseeing all aspects of Child Protection Service operations for more than 10 years. She was responsible for screening and investigations, children’s case management, family assessment, permanency, Indian Child Welfare, foster care, adoption, and children’s mental health. •Senior Director of community services for the Professional Association of Treatment Homes, which included national foster parent education, federal projects, and youth transition programing. •Director of Family Services at the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. Lynn has an undergraduate degree in business and computer technology, from Cameron University, a master’s in social work policy from Augsburg, and she has completed PhD coursework requirements at the University of Minnesota. Lynn is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (Inactive Status). She is also a licensed Evangelist for the Churches of God in Christ, and she serves as a Bible Study teacher at the state and local levels. She is happily married and the proud mother of two successful children and she has a beautiful granddaughter.

John is an Assistance Council Commissioner for Northern Star Scouting (Scout America). He has held volunteer positions at the pack, troop, district, and council levels. John served his troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, Leadership Goals Coordinator, and Unit Commissioner. In addition, John assisted with a multi-troop recruiting event within his district. John has served as a scouting staff member for eight Wood Badge courses and adult leadership training, including as course director in 2014. He has earned numerous adult-leader training awards and holds a doctorate from the College of Commissioner Service. John is a Silver Beaver recipient, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, District Award of Merit recipient, and Arrowhead Honor recipient. He has been a servant leader in scouting for over 29 years. John's leadership roles in the First Church of God in Christ in Minneapolis have left a significant impact. He is the chairman of their Deacon's Board and the Board of Trustees. His influence was felt in the bible study he taught to the Young People Willing Worker youth group and in the adult Sunday School for over 12 years. John has been instrumental in assisting the First Church of God in Christ in obtaining historical site status at the Minnesota state level and is currently working with the church to reach the historical national site level. He also assisted in taking several photos for both historical status levels. In addition, John is a 30-year veteran with the National Guard and Army Reserves. He retired as Chief Warrant Officer III. His service record includes thirteen achievement medals, seven service ribbons (including two for overseas service), two Army Commendation medals, and a Meritorious Service Award. John is the first of seven in his family to graduate from college: Received a BS in Information Systems from Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, MA in Computer and Information Resource Management, and an MBA in Business, both from Webster University in Missouri. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP). Since graduating from Grambling State University, John has worked in information systems for four Fortune 500 companies, including Chevrolet Division in Warren, Michigan (a GM company), Halliburton Company in Oklahoma, McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in Missouri, and Supervalu/UNFI in Minnesota. John's current role as the Chief Operating Officer for Family Refuge Village (a non-profit) is a testament to his professional standing and responsibilities. He has been with the company since 2021, leading operations and contributing to the organization's mission and growth.

Gloria Peterson, LICSW is currently the CEO of the Peterson Group and the Clinical Vice President for the Family Refuge Village. Gloria has worked in a variety of mental health settings including community practice, government and nonprofit. She held leadership roles at Hennepin County in Community Corrections, Child Protection, Mental Health Crisis Services, and Adult Mental Health Services. In addition to the numerous hats, she wears pertaining to direct practice she provides clinical supervision for graduate clinicians. Gloria has two very successful adult daughters, and she is a member Fellowship Baptist Church in Minneapolis.