Taking Refuge means, that we Refuge in the Attainments of the Lord Buddha, as a Faith instiller to let us know that a Human can do this (self liberation).
We Refuge in the Dhamma, the teachings which lead to liberation.
And we Refuge in the Sangha
The Sangha is generally used as a word tyo refer to the company of Monks and Nuns, but actually, Sangha means the company of true spiritual practitioners who should be sought out as true companions and positive influence on our life.
So we refuge in those that have Attained Liberation, and follow in their footsteps,
By Refuging in the study and practice of the Dhamma in the present time
and by Refuging in the right company and refuging in those who have gone further and attained more self mastery, and can be seen as our guides and teachers, as well as spiritual companions.