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“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 anything that helps a young person have a good, normal kind of day.”

Ryan is committed to planting more for residents to enjoy and reduce our carbon footprint.

He recently installed a big disc swing on a strong black cherry tree in the front lawn. “Moms and kids can all get on it at once and have a carefree moment.”

Michelle’s kids love playing under the trees. “They have a little mudhole out there,” she shares. “The other two really love to swing out front. They don’t like to come in sometimes.”

Volunteers help with the upkeep of the trees and cleared a path into the woods on the edge of the property for nature walks.

“Our strawberries taste a whole lot better than the ones that came from the store,” said a survivor living in shelter. “They’re sweeter and juicier.”

There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal made with food grown with your own hands.

Many meals prepared in the shelter this time of year feature fresh produce from the farm. Lunch is often a big summer salad. Tacos and salsa made with vegetables from the farm are popular, too.

“I’m all about the farm-to-table connection,” shares Hattie Nunley, farm and family advocate. “I think even being able to just supplement onions in a meal is special.”

“The farm was amazing. Getting my hands in the dirt was one of the best experiences of my life,” says Michelle.

Carrots, kale, cabbage, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers were seeded in January and planted in April. Several hoop houses on the farm will extend the harvest season through late autumn.

“I was able to be involved in planting the peppers and tomatoes and a discussion of the future planting of okra and squash,” shares a survivor.

Too many in central Kentucky experience food insecurity. Healing the physical and emotional wounds of violence becomes more difficult without access to nutritious food.

Hattie is working to expand the farm’s production to provide survivors with fresh produce even after leaving the shelter. She collaborates closely with the shelter’s dining and nutrition advocate for menu planning.

They also co-facilitate a monthly support group about healthy relationships with food.

“My favorite thing so far has been harvesting strawberries,” says another survivor. “They were so sweet and delicious.”

Lyndsay Deaver knows the healing love that only a horse can give.

In 2008, while a student of Midway University’s equine therapy program, she completed her practicum internship at the emergency shelter.

Lyndsay suggested that boarding her horse, JB, on the property, could be meaningful for survivors.

“People really identify with the horses. That’s their magic,” explains Lyndsay. “Horses are the perfect type of mirror. They reflect back to you what you’re experiencing.”

JB still lives on the property today. Saucy and Solo, both horses of Lyndsay’s family members, have joined her.

If a resident or staff person stops along the fence line, it doesn’t take long until one of the horses ambles over to say hello. They often wait near the gate to welcome kids back from school.

“It’s really rewarding to see how many women and kids have enjoyed just spending time with the horses,” Lyndsay adds.