Map of where Handmade By Survivor products have been sold in USABlog

Handmade by Survivors: Made Locally, Sold Nationally

December 7, 2020By

Your purchase of our Handmade by Survivors products will help victims of intimate partner violence as they establish safety, heal from the physical and emotional wounds of abuse, and grow strong as survivors.

“We make soaps, lip balms, bath salts, and candles. Just really wonderful things that people in society already use. But we were able to make them from a heartfelt place.” – Jewell

Making products such as lip balms, salves, and soaps has a special connection to our mission. The process provides microenterprise opportunities for survivors, while also generating resources for our organization.

Our products are Kentucky Proud — and we are so happy to be a social enterprise based in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky — but our products are being enjoyed by people across the nation.

This year we have packaged and shipped Handmade by Survivors products from coast to coast:

Map of where Handmade By Survivor products have been sold in USA

  • Alabama
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Kansas
  • Massachusetts
  • Maryland
  • North Carolina
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Texas
  • Virginia

Here in the gorgeous Commonwealth of Kentucky, we have packaged and shipped Handmade by Survivors products to these counties this year:

Map of where Handmade By Survivors products have been sold in KY

  • Berea
  • Burlington
  • Covington
  • Danville
  • Eminence
  • Ewing
  • Florence
  • Fort Mitchell
  • Georgetown
  • Harrodsburg
  • Lexington
  • Louisville
  • Newport
  • Nicholasville
  • North Pole
  • Paris
  • Richmond
  • Shelbyville
  • Springfield
  • Stanford
  • Williamsburg

This unique approach to healing has received the national Mary Byron Project Celebrating Solutions Award, Kentucky Nonprofit Network Innovative Nonprofit Award, and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence Pyramid Award for Social Innovation.

Our Handmade by Survivors shop is open online 24/7. Follow the link below to support hope and healing this holiday season. 

Handmade by Survivors Shop

100% of your purchase from our shop supports survivors of intimate partner abuse. We are Kentucky Proud. #shoplocal

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Handmade by Survivors: Our collections are rooted in healing

December 1, 2020By

Your purchase of our Handmade by Survivors products will help victims of intimate partner violence as they establish safety, heal from the physical and emotional wounds of abuse, and grow strong as survivors.

“It was pretty cool for me, because I got to make products that I’ve always enjoyed from scratch from the very starting point. From a conception to actually mixing, packaging, marketing, labeling shipping, it was amazing. Because it was giving me an outlet to be creative in a way that life itself wouldn’t afford me, I was able to enhance certain things that are already loved.” – Jewell

From conception to market, each of our products are developed with healing in mind. Each herbal blend is curated to align with the intention of the collection. Our signature collections consist of Fresh Start, Awaken Joy, Sweet Harmony, and Blossoming.

 

After the year we’ve all had, I think it may be safe to say that we are all ready for a Fresh Start. This collection of products featuring a blend of lemongrass and lavender essential oils for a clean and rejuvenating aroma. Made with natural ingredients to nourish your skin.

A collection of our Awaken Joy products featuring a blend of essential oils. Energizing peppermint and soothing eucalyptus is the perfect combination during the holiday bustle. Includes coordinating soap, candle, and bath salts made with ingredients to nourish body and spirit.

A collection of our Sweet Harmony products featuring a blend of essential oils. Warm cedar, sweet orange, and vanilla blend for a comforting and sweet fragrance. Some say these smell like a creamcicle. Includes coordinating soap, candle, and bath salts made with ingredients to nourish body and spirit.

A collection of our Blossoming products featuring essential oils of rose geranium and lavender blended with dried flowers from our farm. A bouquet of light fragrance!  Includes coordinating soap, candle, and bath salts made with ingredients to nourish body and spirit.

Handmade by Survivors Shop

100% of your purchase from our shop supports survivors of intimate partner abuse. We are Kentucky Proud. #shoplocal

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Holiday Hope Box: Support Survivors and Send Hope

November 24, 2020By

A curated box of Handmade By Survivors products makes the perfect holiday gift for yourself or someone special. Natural and nourishing, every item included in our Hope Box features essential oils and dried flowers from our farm.

This has been a tumultuous year for all of us. I have world stuff. I have national stuff, I have health stuff, I have female stuff, and I have love stuff. Then there’s the stuff that comes with being Black, this Black stuff contributes to all of that. And for the first time in this program, I was able to have a platform where I was able to talk to someone of another race, and actually carry on the conversations that we need to have as a race. We left feeling refreshed and lightened. It was as if, for lack of better words, I could celebrate me without having to protect others. – Jewell

It goes without saying that we all could use a bit more hope after this past year. Consider sharing the gift of hope by sending one of our Holiday Hope Boxes this season. Your purchase of Handmade by Survivors products will support victims of intimate partner violence as they establish safety, heal from the physical and emotional wounds of abuse. Making products has a special connection to our mission. The process provides collaborative work and microenterprise experience for survivors, while also generating resources for our organization.

Each Holiday Hope Box includes the following:

1 – 5 oz bar of handmade soap
1 – 8 oz tin of natural bath salts
1 – 3 inch soy wax candle
1 -.25 oz lip balm

Our Hope Box ships free to any address in the United States. To ship for free to yourself or a gift recipient, the Hope Box must be purchased in a separate transaction. See additional Hope Box shipping information in the related tab on this page.

Our products are Kentucky Proud.

Handmade By Survivors Shop

100% of your purchase from our shop supports survivors of intimate partner abuse. We are Kentucky Proud. #shoplocal

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Handmade by Survivors: Cold Process Soap Making

November 23, 2020By

Your purchase of our Handmade by Survivors products will help victims of intimate partner violence as they establish safety, heal from the physical and emotional wounds of abuse, and grow strong as survivors.

Five of our new soaps we are launching this season are cold processed, so we thought it’d be great to share with y’all some of the benefits that come with this process. Cold processed soaps are considered one of the most traditional forms of soap making. Due to not using high temperatures to cure, this process is better for more natural and raw ingredients. Cold processed soaps are also best for optimal moisturization and allow us to be a bit more creative with the soap aesthetic and our shaping techniques.  

The soaps made a lot of difference. They’re all different and all beautiful.It doesn’t seem like any two are the same. And there’s a lot like the survivors, women and men of domestic violence. We all are similar in some kind of form, but we all have our differences to be celebrated.. – Jewell

5 Benefits of Cold Process Soap:

 

1. The Creamy Feel

Cold process soap made with all-natural ingredients like plant oils and butters creates a creamy lather for deep moisturization. Unlike other soap types, cold process versions penetrate deep into into the skin to help minimize dry itchy skin.

2. Powerfully Natural

The benefits of natural soap making ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil can be lost through the heating process in hot process soap techniques; the cold process method ensures these natural ingredients are better preserved.

3. Intensive Scent

Cold process soaps are often fragranced with natural essential oils, like lavender and jasmine, or fragrance oils like chocolate or apple. Because cold process soap takes a number of weeks to fully cure, the scent intensifies over time.

4. Luxurious Lather

Unlike hot process soap, alternatives made through the cold process method can be skilfully whipped for the lightest touch, even floating on water! Cold process soap has the ability to create incredible lather to allow a truly luxurious bathing sensation.

5. Creatively Colorful

Cold process soap making techniques include a level of artistry, with many soaps decorated with swirls, layers of color and all sorts of interesting designs. Some are mixed with natural ingredients for texture while others have a top layer of herbs for an artistic final touch.

Source: soap.club

Handmade by Survivors Shop

100% of your purchase from our shop supports survivors of intimate partner abuse. We are Kentucky Proud. #shoplocal

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Blog

Handmade by Survivors: New this Season

November 23, 2020By

Your purchase of our Handmade by Survivors products will help victims of intimate partner violence as they establish safety, heal from the physical and emotional wounds of abuse, and grow strong as survivors.

This season we are excited to launch six new products. Five of which are cold processed soaps, with both original scent blends and a couple new ones too! Our final addition this season is our new Dissent lip balm inspired by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

The program allowed me to take a break from my reality in two ways. The first way, making the products was a relief. It was great to come here and not be a victim, not be scorned, not be angry, not be hurt, but be creative and experiment. And secondly, it was a lifeline. At the time, I was in a very sunken deep place. And this was something that gave me some kind of purpose, or drive, a reason to get up. There were a lot of days that I came here and I had contemplated not coming for at least an hour or so before I got here and realized this is where I needed to be and left feeling vindicated and refreshed. – Jewell

Winter 2020 New Products:

Benevolence, one of our beautiful new cold process soaps, blends essential oils of hyssop with lemon and lavender. Hyssop is an evergreen flowering plant with a sweet smell that’s been used for purification throughout history. A sacred scent to cleanse body and mind.

 

An invitation to nurture self-care, Clarity is one of our beautiful new cold process soaps. Let the notes of lavender and rose enchant you.

 

One of our new beautiful cold process soaps, New Perspective smells like a walk in the woods. Be inspired to view things a little differently with earthy fragrances of essential oils of patchouli and frankincense.

 

Inhale peace, and exhale chaos with Peace of Mind, one of our beautiful new cold process soaps. The warm blend of cinnamon and bergamot will nourish you inside and out.

 

Rest and settle back into oneself with Remembrance, one of our beautiful new cold process soaps. The blend of lavender and rosemary essential oils cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation. A perfect way to wash away the day.

Dissent is the perfect lip balm to wear in all places where decisions are being made. Unscented, untinted, and made with natural ingredients to soften and nourish dry lips.

Handmade by Survivors Shop

100% of your purchase from our shop supports survivors of intimate partner abuse. We are Kentucky Proud. #shoplocal

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24-Hour Hotline

November 12, 2020By

You deserve to be supported.

Our 24-hour crisis hotline is answered every day of the year. You will speak to a compassionate Certified Domestic Violence Advocate who wants to support your specific needs.

800.544.2022

Together, we can develop a safety plan that meets the specific needs of you and your children. Find emergency shelter with us or a partner shelter. Make plans for an advocate to accompany you to upcoming court appointments. Share information about nearby support groups.

You might not be ready to leave or want to know more to support a friend. That’s ok. We are here to listen, too. Please call us if you or someone you know is being harmed.

You deserve healing.

24-HOUR HOTLINE 800.544.2022

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Life at Shelter

November 2, 2020By

Our Emergency Shelter is surrounded by 40-acres of beautiful farmland in rural Fayette County.

The 17,000 sq ft shelter facility includes a large dining room, art room, sewing room, children’s play areas, and support group meeting rooms. A large covered front porch is lined with rocking chairs, while the back porch overlooks a playground for the children.

“No one told me how special this place is when they tell you to take your kids to a shelter. The first thing you think of is a soup kitchen with people lying all over the floor. If I had known then what I know now, I would have packed my kids up a long time ago.” – Daisy, Former Shelter Resident 

We grow produce for healthy meal preparations and lots of lovely flowers on the shelter’s farm. If you like to keep busy and enjoy nature, you can help on the farm if you choose.

Benches and seating areas are scattered about the property, with one providing a little outdoor library. We’re lucky to have two friendly horses that live in the fields on our property. And a few country cats — all named Morris — have made our property their home, too.

You deserve safety and healing.

24-HOUR HOTLINE 800.544.2022

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Between Survivors

November 2, 2020By

This note was written by a survivor living at our shelter to encourage other survivors who are seeking support and services to flee intimate partner abuse. Identifying information has been changed for confidentiality.

Dear Survivor – 

GreenHouse17 has given me the tools to be able to look at myself in the mirror and know that I am beautiful, smart, worthy, and loving. I do have potential to build a strong, bright future for myself.  
It’s also taught me self-control and how to control my anxiety.  Every bad situation in my past wasn’t my fault. I couldn’t control the mental and physical abuse.
I’ve gotten better at standing up for myself and respecting and believing in myself. In just a month, I have grown more than I ever knew I could.  
I am somebody, and I will get through this storm each day. I am already starting to see a glimpse of the sunshine in my future. … 
My heart, body, and soul were searching for peace. I was beyond broken and ready to give up on life. I had trusted when I shouldn’t have—so many times that I felt scared to the depths of my soul. 
I didn’t know what being safe was supposed to look or feel like, but they reminded me that having a soft heart in a cruel world ISN’T weakness. It’s a sign of strength and courage.  
Slowly, day by day, I am beginning to trust again…

Read our service brochure.

Nurturing lives harmed by intimate partner abuse

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Speak my name

October 29, 2020By

Today we ask you to listen for one minute as we speak these names. Each name is a life taken by domestic homicide related to intimate partner abuse in Kentucky from September 2019 – August 2020.

Although Domestic Violence Awareness Month is coming to a close, we will nurture lives harmed until the violence ends.

Savannah Spurlock, 22, Madison County
Beth Dykes Bonzo, 45, Pulaski County
Angella Hale, 48, Marshall County
Ella Diebolt Jackson, 48, Madison County
Donna Eldridge, 30, Pulaski County
Amanda Berry, 33, Jefferson County
Murrel Pruitt, 64, Monroe County
Elaine Castillo, 33, Fayette County
Sheena Baxter, 32, Scott County
Patricia Murphy, 67, Daviess County
Jacklyn West, 58, Daviess County
Melissa Back, 36, Kenton County
Keilee Sparks, 29, Greenup County
Jodi L. Stapleton, 35, Pike County
Nina Hunt, 42, Marion County
Kodie Patrick, 24, Boyd County
Rebekah Wortman, 60, Jefferson County
Jobeth Butcher Bailey, 36, Lawrence County
Karleigh Miller, 19, Jefferson County
Jeannie Vanzant, 39, Knott County
Peggy Vanwinkle, 52, Jackson County
Karen Rae Greenup, 57, Fayette County
Angel D. Marcum, 26, Fayette County
Nichole Merrell, 30, Hopkins County
Tessa Slone, 49, Knott County
Susan Taylor, 42, Jackson County

Speak My Name is a project of the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This is not an exhaustive list. Only victims about whom the coalition is aware through media outlets and domestic violence programs.

Breathe in courage. Exhale Fear.

24-HOUR HOTLINE 800.544.2022

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The Heart Space

October 27, 2020By

Step back and settle in with this Body Orientation and Scan Meditation practice from the Heart Space. To turn inward we must first cultivate a deeper sense of where we are. Slow down so you’re better able to show up.

Tune in weekly during the month of October for a new recording on the Heart Space, a digital sound archive of trauma-sensitive resources dedicated to serving those who are healing from abuse.  Listen on Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcast, and more.  

Breathe in courage. Exhale Fear.

24-HOUR HOTLINE 800.544.2022

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