aerial view of farmBlog

Summer on the Farm

July 15, 2024By

“The farm awakens a part of me that makes me feel strong and peaceful.”

The summer months are busy on our 40-acre property. From healthy cooking workshops using vegetables from the farm to trauma-informed yoga under the pavilion, residents reflect and find healing in lots of ways.

Although many adult survivors living in shelter and transitional housing take part in the farm’s six-week curriculum to develop job skills while earning a weekly stipend, the commitment can be too physically or emotionally intensive for survivors who have recently escaped abuse.

“The healing garden allows survivors to be even more involved with our therapeutic horticulture and farm-to-table dining programs,” explains Hattie, a farm advocate. “Residents can help tend to flowers, vegetables, and herbs that will eventually make their way into the shelter.”

This garden is a space reserved for survivors and their children to experience the benefits of nature together without worries of making mistakes. There’s something special about eating a dinner made with ingredients you helped grow and harvest.

“It’s a chance for residents of all ages to come and experience the healing powers of the farm,” adds Ryan, an advocate focused on nature-based experiences. “Going outside is important for our brains and bodies. To come out and spend just a couple hours learning a new skill or interacting with a living thing can really make a difference in a day.”

Nature-based healing on the farm is supported by grants from United Way of the Bluegrass, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Extended Social Resources, and BGCF365.

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Chelsea’s Story

July 11, 2024By

“My life and stability were up in the air.”

“I was scared and trying to leave this relationship, trying to get my ducks in a row.”

A childhood friend recommended she reach out to ask for our support. Chelsea was pregnant when she and her two-year-old arrived at the emergency shelter.

“I would spend hours walking back and forth on the front porch with him in the stroller. I couldn’t get him to sleep and didn’t want to disturb anyone else.”

Those first few weeks living at the shelter weren’t easy. “I was hyper-focusing and overthinking everything. It was really hard on me, being pregnant. My life and stability were up in the air.”

She stayed busy on purpose. “I was meeting with my advocates, doing therapy, or doing groups. We would talk about boundaries and red flags, green flags, even yellow flags.”

During one group activity, Chelsea remembers writing a note to her younger self and a note to the abuser to burn in the fire pit.

“We talked about boundaries and coping techniques. I always did the mommy and me groups. We did pottery and yoga under the pavilion.”

Although put on bed rest during the final weeks of her pregnancy, Chelsea was able to move into a transitional apartment with her son before the baby was born.

“I was in a different elementary school each grade of the year, so stability was always a real big thing for me. When I had kids, I knew that I needed stability because I never had it.”

When asked what she would tell someone coming into shelter, Chelsea said, “You’re here to heal. If you come with that mindset, you’re going to feel like a totally different person. But remember not everybody is going to understand what you went through, so not everybody deserves your story.”

This is only part of Chelsea’s story, in her own words, shared with permission.

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parking volunteersBlog

🚨 Call for 100 Volunteers

July 8, 2024By

GreenHouse17 will be the charitable beneficiary of this year’s CRAVE food & music festival on July 27 and July 28 at Moondance Amphitheater.  

In gratitude for the generous donation, we help the organizers with parking logistics during the event.  We estimate needing almost 100 volunteers during the weekend—and could sure use your help!   

Volunteering for parking at CRAVE is a wonderful way to support survivors while enjoying a vibrant community event.  As a token of our appreciation, each volunteer will receive free admission on their service day and $10 in Crave Bucks, the currency used to purchase delicious food and drinks inside the festival.  

If you have any questions or a big group that would like to help, please send Hallie a note from the form on the volunteer registration page. She’ll get back to you very soon. 

Your support reminds survivors that our community cares about their well-being and fosters a community intolerant of violence. 

SIGN UP HERE!

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Brain Health & Relationships Study

May 14, 2024By

The University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science is gathering voluntary data from survivors for a study on traumatic brain injuries. 

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? 

Dr. Justin Karr, Assistant Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, Principal Investigator, says: 

“Brain injury due to intimate partner violence has been regarded as an invisible injury and overlooked public health issue. We’re hoping to learn more about the unmet health needs that survivors experience following a brain injury so that we may determine how to best address those needs. 

There has been a lot of focus on brain injury in athletes and Veterans, but much less focus on survivors of intimate partner abuse. This is a new direction in research on brain injury, and we’re thankful to GreenHouse17 and the women who have participated in our study, as they help us conduct research to inform care for other women with brain injuries.” 

WHY PARTICIPATE? 

Decreased coordination, inability to concentrate, and memory lapses are associated with injuries which can make it harder for someone to escape abuse, find safety, and begin to heal. These common symptoms can often be missed during standard evaluations.  

The research findings will help inform clinicians on how to best support women with head injuries.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Women between the ages of 18 – 59 who have had a head injury from a partner or survivors who have never had a head injury from any cause.  

LEARN MORE

To learn more about the study and see if you are eligible, call 859-880-1218.  

Brain Health and Relationships Study Pamphlet

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Pawsome Pets

April 15, 2024By

Imagine facing the difficult decision to escape abuse and leave your beloved animal behind. It can be an impossible choice.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates 40% of victims delay leaving an abusive partner because they’re worried about the well-being of their pets.

Sweet dogs and cats with their humans are a familiar sight at our shelter, but the facility isn’t a good fit for every pet. Our advocates are committed to safety planning for animals and providing options for furry friends to thrive.

Partnerships with the Humane Society, Animal Care & Control, and regional veterinarians help with medical needs. Confidential fosters can often care for pets while the lives of their humans stabilize after surviving abuse. Love for your animals should never be a barrier to fleeing abuse.

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Annual Report

Safe Visits & Exchanges

April 8, 2024By

Community gathered to celebrate the expansion of children’s safe exchange and visitation to Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln, and Mercer counties.

Safe exchange and visitation services reduce risks for violence while encouraging healing and healthy parent-child connections.

Members of Grace Church have generously provided secure space for services to be delivered in the children’s wing of their facility in Danville. A partnership with the Danville Police Department promotes additional safety during service operation hours.

“Our goal is for visitations and exchanges to be predictable, reliable, and positive for children and youth.” says Darlene Thomas, executive director. “Safety and confidentiality are critically important for best practice.”

Remarks from Grace Church Lead Pastor Shane Terrell, Danville Mayor J.H. Atkins, The Honorable Bruce Petrie, and The Honorable Trille Bottom offered evidence for the need and support of the services.

”When we come together as a community, it speaks volumes to survivors and their children,” says Darlene. “It tells survivors and their children that they have value, they have worth, they deserve safety.”

Expansion of services was made possible through the support of Grace Church, Heart of Kentucky United Way, the Hudson-Ellis Fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation, The City of Danville, Boyle County Fiscal Court, Mercer County Fiscal Court, and other state and federal funding.

Up to 30 weekly visits and exchanges can be facilitated from the new Danville service location. Children’s safe exchange and visitation services are also offered in Lexington and Georgetown. Click here for more information.

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baby laying on back in bedAnnual Report

Supporting Young Survivors

April 1, 2024By

Fleeing intimate partner abuse is always scary, especially with children or while pregnant.

Beyond the risk for increased violence, parenting survivors leave behind their home and necessities to care for their children. More than a hundred children of survivors live at the shelter each year.

Although every child responds differently to violence, research finds common age-specific responses that advocates can help parents navigate. Services include healing play, school advocacy, and support groups for parents and kids. Advocates also help with birth plans for pregnant survivors and, if asked, are by their sides at the hospital when it’s time.

The International “We Serve” Foundation has contributed almost $20,000 to support the needs of parenting survivors and children. Funds have provided essential items including cribs, beds, car seats, and more.

Dr. Melappalayam Vijayaraghavan, founder of the International “We Serve” Foundation, passed away last year. Dr. Viji’s legacy of kindness and generosity for survivors will be remembered.

Read the Spring 2024 Issue of Bloom

This is one article from our print newsletter. Follow the link above to read the full issue!

Photo by Emma Bauso from Pexels

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Shannon’s Story

March 22, 2024By

“This was someone I let into my heart, my home, and around my son.”

I met this guy who seemed like a southern gentleman, and he made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. It truly seemed like a dream come true.

Until it all changed in the blink of an eye. One night, he was going through my messages on my phone without my consent.

When I asked what he was doing and why, his demeanor and tone changed. He turned into a completely different person.

He gets in my face and says, ‘You need to delete all social media right now. You’re not allowed to talk to anybody.’

I was in shock. I wasn’t sure how to respond and said, ‘You need to pack your stuff and leave.’ I wanted to defuse the situation before it got any worse.

Over the next couple of days, we talked on and off. One moment the conversation would be, ‘I’m so sorry, I’ll change,’ and the next he would say, ‘You’re a whore, you’re a slut.”

It only got worse from there. It started with a property complaint, and two officers showed up.

I got a restraining order. That made him even more mad. He told me to watch out because he had connections that would come after me.

He was also texting my family members and reaching out to my friends on Facebook, saying none of this was his fault. He placed all the blame on me.

He got ahold of my child’s father. They collaborated to file an emergency protective removal order, trying to take my son away from me.

We had to go to court multiple times, and everything got dismissed. The judge ordered my abuser to get help and mandated he take classes.

I still can’t say I feel safe, but it does get better. My chapter ends with my advocates staying by my side and guiding me through all of this.

I hope that my story will help just one person. What scares me the most is the unknown and the thought of this happening to somebody else.

I want to share my story. The more we talk about our experiences and share our stories, the more we get to spread awareness.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out before it’s too late.

This is only part of Shannon’s story, in her own words, shared with permission.

Read the Spring 2024 Issue of Bloom

This is one article from our print newsletter. Follow the link above to read the full issue!

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hands holding card with heart on itBlog

Cards of Encouragement

March 13, 2024By

A few kind words can make a difficult day feel better. Writing notes of encouragement is a meaningful way to support survivors. 

You can write a couple of cards or a bundle of many cards. This makes for a lovely way for your community, faith, or work group to support the mission. In addition to blank cards with encouraging notes, we also welcome cards for birthdays, Mother’s Day, and other holidays. 

TIPS & IDEAS
  • Use a general salutation: Hello, Hi there, and Dear Survivor are good options.
  • Start with a sentence about why you’re writing the card:  This must be such a difficult time for you, and I wanted to let you know someone cares.
  • You don’t have to write a lot. Just a couple of lines can make a difference. Lean into celebrating the survivor’s strength and courage.
  • Close with a message of hope – maybe something like this: May your tomorrows be safer, brighter, and full of hope and possibilities.
  • Sign with your first name or first + last name, but please don’t include your address or phone number.

General messaging about prayer, faith, and spirituality can be meaningful. But please avoid including specific scripture or the promotion of a specific religion in your cards. Please also ensure your personal or work email, telephone, and mailing address are not included on the cards/envelopes.

FINAL STEP

When your cards are ready, bundle them up and mail to address below or send a note to Hallie to request driving directions to deliver the cards to our shelter. 

GreenHouse17
ATTN: Community Engagement
PO Box 55190
Lexington, KY 40555-5190 

Download the flyer.

Click on the link above to download a flyer to print or share with others.

Photo by Rinck Content Studio on Unsplash

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five lip balms with faces, hands, and feet on a pink backgroundAnnual Report

Valentine’s Day is our Anniversary

February 14, 2024By

Federal designation officially naming our organization a nonprofit entity arrived on February 14, 2005.

We’re celebrating with a series of Valentine’s Day cards that you can share with friends, family, and partners on social media to raise awareness about healthy relationships.

Visit our social media pages to share these cards with someone special. Or just click or tap on an image below to send one today.

💜Facebook   💜Instagram   💜LinkedIn

 

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