Blog

Christy’s Story

"I felt like there wasn’t a way out." Nine years ago, I was being physically, sexually, and psychologically abused. I felt like there wasn’t a way out.   I never thought I would experience domestic violence. I remember saying, “I dare someone to put their hands on me,” and I…
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LUNAFEST Lexington

“The films are unlike any other you can see throughout the year.”  LUNAFEST Lexington is back in person this year at the historic Kentucky Theatre. This evening of short films promotes women and gender nonconforming storytellers from around the world, while raising funds to support our mission.   Three local…
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Purple Thursday – It’s About Time

It’s about time to end domestic violence.  October 20 is Purple Thursday, an annual day to show support for survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.   The color purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and dedication to ending violence. It’s believed the color’s connection to our mission…
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Equine Therapy at the Life Adventure Center

Advocates are always brainstorming ways to connect survivors to the community for healing activities.   We have a longtime partnership with the Life Adventure Center in Versailles where survivors have taken many trips over the years. The Life Adventure Center uses outdoor adventure to transform lives affected by trauma. They’ve also hosted a…
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ribbon puzzleBlog

Jiggy Puzzles x PK’s Gift Closet

We are so lucky to have a generous community that cares about survivors.   Amy Rowell - who owns PK’s Gift Closet – shares her collaboration with Jiggy on a lovely puzzle that supports survivors.    Thank you, Amy!    I first found out about GreenHouse17 when I donated in memory of…
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Serving Harrison and Nicholas Counties

Survivors deserve to be supported in their home community. Although our emergency shelter is located in Lexington, staff of our organization live and work in all 17 counties of our service area – Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and…
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Losing a Loved One to Intimate Partner Abuse

If you’re reading this and have lost someone to intimate partner abuse, we’re so sorry for your loss.   Friends and families of domestic homicide victims often self-blame and sometimes experience survivor’s guilt. Darlene Thomas, our executive director, has supported countless friends and family through grief.   “It’s normal for families to…
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Nonprofit Impact Award

Commerce Lexington has awarded our organization the Salute to Small Business Nonprofit Impact Award. Commerce Lexington’s annual Salute to Small Business presented by Forcht Bank recognizes the area’s best small businesses and one exceptional nonprofit organization. The Nonprofit Impact Award category honors services, fundraising, and inspiration to maximize output in the…
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ryan admiring treesBlog

A Healing Canopy of Trees

“I have really sweet kid memories of laying down under a tree and looking up at the sky,” says Ryan Koch, residential program manager. Many trees on the shelter property were planted about ten years ago with the support of a Plant the Planet grant from Kentucky Utilities. "I like…
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Rachel at Center for Research on Violence Against WomenBlog

Empowered by Plants

The University of Kentucky Center for Research on Violence Against Women recently completed a multi-year study of the farm’s effectiveness. “Our mission is research,” shares Diane Follingstad, Ph.D. “If you have been a victim of violence as a woman, we would like to know the best ways to help you…
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