Supporting caregivers through rest, connection, and community
David’s Refuge, a Syracuse-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers of children with special needs, disabilities, or life-threatening medical conditions, has joined the INSPYRE Innovation Hub as a tenant—bringing with it a powerful mission rooted in compassion, wellness, and connection.
Founded in 2012 from lived experience, David’s Refuge was created by parents who spent 13 years caring for their son, David. Through that journey, they saw firsthand how isolating and exhausting caregiving can be, and how few resources exist to support families carrying that weight. After David’s passing, the founders transformed a wing of their home into a five-star bed and breakfast, offering caregivers an overnight stay at no cost. Their goal was simple: help caregivers leave feeling rested, renewed, and understood.
Over the past decade, David’s Refuge has continued to grow and evolve. Leadership of the organization was entrusted to Executive Director Kate Houck ten years ago, and under her guidance, the organization has expanded into a team of nine dedicated professionals—eight based in Syracuse and one in Rochester—all committed to supporting unpaid family caregivers across the region. The team’s work is grounded in five core values: Compassion, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, and Relationships.
David’s Refuge chose to align with the INSPYRE Innovation Hub because the space reflects both who they are and where they are headed.
“INSPYRE isn’t just an office for us—it’s an extension of our mission,” said Houck. “It’s designed for collaboration, creativity, and growth, which mirrors the kind of support caregivers need and what we’re building as an organization.”
As part of the INSPYRE community, David’s Refuge envisions its space as a hub for caregivers, agency partners, and community leaders to come together to reimagine what sustainable wellness truly looks like. In the months ahead, the organization plans to offer wellness experiences and learning opportunities within the building that support the whole person—especially those who spend their lives caring for others.
“We’re grateful to be part of a community that believes, as we do, in building something meaningful together,” Houck said.
