Ground breaking takes place for new dormitory and multi-purpose facility
Opelousas, LA- On the surface, the architect’s drawing of the gray stone facade that will enclose The Refinery’s new dormitory and multi-purpose facility looks like any other development project. But inside, behind the bold red letters that read “THE REFINERY ESTD 1988,” will be an expansion of the transformative mission rooted in redemption, hard work, and the power of the Gospel.
Johnny Carriere, the executive director of The Refinery, leads with a passion that stems from personal experience. “I’m the man who walks through these doors,” Carriere says. “I know what it’s like to be broken and hopeless. But I also know the radical transformation God brings when you surrender your life to Him.”
And now, The Refinery is expanding to meet a growing need.
A $3 Million Investment in Lives
The Refinery broke ground on August 1, 2025, on a nearly $3 million expansion. This ambitious project, funded largely through private donations, will include 57 new beds and a versatile multi-purpose space for devotionals, chapel services, classes, recreation, and community events. The new structure will bring The Refinery’s total capacity to nearly 180 beds, significantly increasing their ability to serve men in crisis.
Carriere noted in his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony that without the new expansion, The Refinery is forced to decline about 50% of the applications. He noted that a growing waiting list now includes over 45 men.
The new facility will be more than just shelter. With the existing facilities, it will be part of an ecosystem of support and rehabilitation for men exiting jails, prisons, rehab centers, hospitals, or homelessness. As Carriere puts it, “These are the most vulnerable men in our community—those who need structure, resources, and most of all, hope.” Residency at The Refinery can last anywhere to a few months to a couple of years depending upon the man’s needs.
A Name that Reflects the Mission
Formerly known by a more generic name often confused with other “lighthouse missions” across the country, the organization rebranded as The Refinery to better reflect its purpose. The comparison to an oil refinery is deliberate and powerful. “Crude oil is valuable but not useful until refined,” their mission statement reads. “When a man enters our facility, he is loved and sought after by us and God—but he is often not ready to contribute to society. Once refined by God, he becomes a better employee, friend, brother, father, son, and citizen.”
Programs That Restore, Not Just House
The Refinery operates two core housing tracks: emergency and transitional. The emergency program focuses on men in crisis—those who are unemployed, without identification, or suffering from addiction or mental illness. These residents receive intensive support, including:
- Daily devotions and weekly chapel services
- Celebrate Recovery (a Christian-based 12-step program)
- Life skills classes on budgeting, work readiness, and more
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Job placement and transportation across Acadiana
Those who show progress and secure income can graduate to the transitional program, which offers greater independence. These men live with fewer restrictions, pay minimal rent, and are expected to participate in at least three spiritual or recovery classes each week.
As Carriere explains, “It’s our version of a halfway house—but with lower costs and more accountability. We want them to save money and rebuild, not be drained financially.”
The impact of The Refinery ripples far beyond its walls. Since Carriere began in 2009, an estimated 3,000 men have passed through the program. While tracking long-term outcomes is difficult, many return to share stories of restored families, new careers, and spiritual rebirth.
Groundbreaking ceremony attendee Pastor Floyd Prescott has seen transformations in men over the nine years he has volunteered at The Refinery, “One of the more remarkable changes was a man who had been homeless for quite some time. After getting into The Refinery, he’s got a license to drive, he’s got his own vehicle, and he’s become gainfully employed for about the past three years.”
A Hub for the Community
The new multi-purpose facility will not just serve The Refinery’s residents. Carriere envisions it as a gathering place for Rotary Clubs, Chamber of Commerce events, and local churches. “We want people to see that this place is clean, respected, and full of hope—not a place where men sit around doing nothing,” he said. “We want the community to know this is a place of transformation.”
Basketball courts, pickleball, and fitness classes will also be part of the new facility’s use promoting physical wellness alongside spiritual and emotional recovery.
Benefits of Christian Recovery Ministries
The Refinery partners closely with local courts, jails, and behavioral clinics throughout Acadiana. Judges often refer men to the program as an alternative to incarceration—when rehabilitation is more appropriate than punishment. “We’re a viable option the courts believe in,” Carriere says.
The Refinery’s successes reduce the strain on public systems, lowers recidivism, and saves taxpayers money. More importantly, Christ uses it to restore broken men to Himself, their families and communities.
One 2019 study found that 73% of addiction treatment programs included spiritually based elements with 84% of scientific studies showing faith to being a positive factor in preventing and recovering from addiction. Faith-based programs, including 130,000 congregation programs, “contribute up to $316.6 billion in savings to the US economy every year at no cost to tax payers.” Given these clear health system benefits, the study concludes that, “[T]he decline in religious affiliation in the US is not only a concern for religious organizations but constitutes a national health concern.” FN1
Grace and Accountability
The Refinery is clear about its values. “Every man here gets a fresh start,” Carriere says. “But this isn’t cheap grace. There’s accountability. If you fail a drug test, you’re out—but we’ll help you find a rehab and welcome you back when you’re ready. If you fight or threaten someone, you’re gone. We love everyone here too much to allow chaos.”
The result? In 16 years, only three physical altercations have occurred—remarkably low for a facility serving hundreds of men each year.
The Heart Behind the Mission
At 43, Carriere remains committed to his calling. “This is what I’m meant to do. I’ll stay as long as the Lord wants me here.”
His story—and the stories of countless men who have been brought to faith at The Refinery—testify to the power of Gospel, second chances, and community.
As the foundation for the new building is laid, so too will be the potential for hundreds of more lives to be rebuilt—not just as citizens, but as new creations in Christ the Cornerstone.
For more information or to support the mission, contact The Refinery at (337) 948-8865 or visit its website at https://refinerymission.org/
J. Christian Lewis interview, AI assisted
FN 1 Grim, J Relig Health 2019 Jul 29;58(5):1713–1750.