Blog

The Heart Space

October 5, 2020By

Take a few minutes for yourself today to find your heart space during this guided relaxation and breathing experience.

The Heart Space is a digital sound archive of trauma-sensitive resources dedicated to serving those who are healing from abuse. Rooted in mind-body connection, the intention of this archive is to serve as a tool for survivors to reembody their mental, emotional, and physical body. Our approach is grounded in deepening our understanding of both our self and our connection to the natural world. We are honored to continue holding space for the incredibly courageous survivors we serve who continue to show up for themselves to heal and flourish in a life free of violence. 

Today’s six-minute guided meditation will encourage you to consider the fears in your life and imagine the courage within you.

Tune in weekly during the month of October for a new trauma-sensitive sound recording.  Listen on Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcast, and more.

Contributors  

Stephanie Love has been with GreenHouse17 since 2006, where she worked as a Residential Advocate for almost 8 years before going into Outreach. During her time with the agency she has introduced yoga and relaxation groups to further support survivors to heal from abuse. Stephanie has a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology and is a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT). She continues to study trauma and its effect on the whole person, the healing powers of mindfulness and yoga, and is proud to be an eternal student of life. 

Holden Dillman has been with GreenHouse17 since 2018, where they served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and practicum student serving on our therapeutic flower farm. Holden has a Master’s of Science in Social Work and is a Certified Yoga Instructor (CYT). He serves as the Content Creator for GreenHouse17 where they create and curate content to support the healing of survivors. Holden is also a practicing therapist based out of Louisville. Holden finds deep joy in serving as a trauma-sensitive yoga and meditation instructor, and social worker. Their experience is grounded in nature-based healing as means to integrate trauma. Holden is committed to holding space for collective liberation of the mind, body, and soul in inclusive community.  

 

Breathe in courage. Exhale Fear.

24-HOUR HOTLINE 800.544.2022

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A Message from Governor Andy BeshearBlog

A Message from Governor Andy Beshear

October 3, 2020By

“Join me in becoming an advocate during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this month, we must acknowledge the strength of survivors and give voice to victims and their loved ones.”

Today – I ask you to share important resources for both survivors and victims of domestic abuse.”

General Services Brochure
Folletos de servicios generale 
Brochures des services généraux 
Planning for your safety
What about the children?
Safe exchange and visitation
Supporting family and friends
Safety and healing in a small town
You have the right (LGTQIAA)
Your professional responsibility
Healing body and spirit
Financial abuse
Healing and sobriety
Faith and healing

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Blog

Yoga with Stephanie

October 2, 2020By

We’ll be sharing a guided yoga experience every Friday during October. 

Join Stephanie, an advocate and certified yoga instructor on our staff, for this 30-minute relaxation journey. She invites you to find a comfortable space, take a deep breath, and exhale fear as you reconnect with your body.

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#ISeeYou Frame 1-800-799-SAFEBlog

#ISeeYou: National Campaign to ensure Survivor visibility during COVID-19 

August 31, 2020By

One thing we know is that home is not always safe for everyone, especially survivors of intimate partner violence. This has especially been the case during COVID-19. When a survivor is forced to stay in close proximity to their abuser it is often easier for them to exert control over the survivor.

Recently, there have been reports of increased domestic violence during the lockdowns necessitated by COVID-19 across countries in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia; the UN Population Fund additionally projects at least 15 million more cases of domestic violence as a result of COVID-19. (NNEDV)

Now more than ever before it is important that survivors know that their community supports them and sees them in these unprecedented times. As an effort to ensure survivors are seen and heard during this global pandemic #ISeeYou, a public service campaign has launched a video to get the word out that help is available as incidents of domestic violence continue to rise.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that from March 16 to May 16, there was a 9% increase in total contacts received by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, with over 6,200 total contacts citing COVID-19 as an issue.

Data shows that women of color and Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence. Sheltering in place is not a viable option for frontline and essential workers, many of whom are women, particularly women of color, already facing the disproportionate impacts of historical trauma, discrimination, and violence, while now facing increased exposure to the virus. Simultaneously, the historic loss of economic opportunity in this country has been especially acute for women, Black and brown communities, and workers of color, who already hold the majority of low-paid work, suffer from pay inequality, and do not have access to paid sick leave and other health benefits. (NNEDV)  

It is our responsibility to cultivate a supportive community and to advocate for the safety of those who are not able to. If you or someone you know is or may be experiencing intimate partner violence, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support survivors and those who are the friends and family members of those experiencing abuse.

  • GreenHouse17
    Call our 24/7 Hotline 1-800-544-2022
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline
    Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
    Text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474
    Chat online at www.thehotline.org/help
  • Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
    Call 1-800-656-4673
    Chat online at hotline.rainn.org
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corn and skyBlog

Farm-to-Table with Chef Tim: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

August 26, 2020By

 

We know that vegetables fresh from the farm are healthy and delicious. But we don’t always know what to make or how to prepare them! Chef Tim is here to show us just how easy it is to turn butternut squash into a yummy soup. Also, did you know squash blossoms are edible? Stuffing them with feta cheese and lightly frying them was so tasty!

Become a member of our Autumn Vegetable and Herb CSA today and start receiving farm fresh veggies and easy to follow recipes like this next week! That’s right, you can pick up your first share next Wednesday and get to cookin’!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Adapted from Cookie and Kate (https://cookieandkate.com/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/)

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), halved vertically* and seeds removed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 stick of butter (4 ounces)
  • 1/2 tsp of sage
  • 1/2 tsp of thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the butternut squash on the pan and drizzle each half with just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash on the inside (about ½ teaspoon each). Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

Turn the squash face down and roast until it is tender and completely cooked through, about 40 to 50 minutes (don’t worry if the skin or flesh browns—that’s good for flavor). Set the squash aside until it’s cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.

Use a large spoon to scoop the butternut squash flesh into your blender. Discard the tough skin. Add the heavy cream, sage, thyme, and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to the blender.

Securely fasten the lid. Blend on high (or select the soup preset, if available), being careful to avoid hot steam escaping from the lid. Stop once your soup is ultra creamy and warmed through.

Serve and enjoy! Oh, and don’t forget to garnish with basil if you have it!

Yield

4 servings

 

Tempura-fried Squash Blossoms

Adapted from Cypress (GreenEarthBooks, 2009)

Ingredients

  • Canola oil, for frying
  • 1 cup cold soda water
  • 2/3 cup cornstarch
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 squash blossoms, with stems
  • Fine sea salt

Method

Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with at least 4 inches of canola oil. Heat the canola oil to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cold soda water, cornstarch, and flour. Whip the mixture with a whisk until the batter is fully incorporated. Keep the batter cold until you’re ready to fry.

Holding the squash blossoms by the stem, dip only the flowers into the tempura batter. Working in batches, remove the blossom from the batter and place it in the hot oil. Fry for 4 minutes, until the flowers are crispy and translucent. Drain the blossom on paper towels to absorb excess grease and season them with fine sea salt. Repeat with the remaining blossoms. Keep the blossoms warm until ready to serve.

Yield

4 servings

Bon appétit, y’all <3
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Farm at GreenHouse17Blog

Field Note from “Laurel”

August 14, 2020By

This article was written by “Laurel,” a survivor who participates in our farm’s healing programming.

Working in the garden is such an amazing and humbling honor.

The sense of accomplishment and appreciation after a day’s work out on the farm is something I haven’t felt in a very very long time. On the farm, there are so many hoop houses to protect the plants from the elements… I watered three of the hoop houses.

Each greenhouse took an hour to water because the ground was so dry. I harvested the squash and zucchini again. The cucumbers still aren’t doing very good. All the peppers look great and some are huge and just perfect, not a spot on them. Thank you for allowing someone like me to feel appreciated and useful.

Not only is this an amazing program for a lady who has been through so much abuse and trauma to work through her issues, as well as rebuild her self-confidence and self-esteem, but we are also learning something. That is important to me.

Learn more about our local, sustainable Autumn Vegetable and Herb CSA

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Blog

Where does our food come from?

August 13, 2020By

This article was written by Savannah McGuire, one of our farms co-managers.

It’s easy to not think much about where your food comes from. We shop at grocery stores where quality, quantity, and diversity of food options are abundant.

When you can even get meal kits delivered straight to your front door, it’s important to consider how our consumption habits influence the communities and the ecosystems where we live. Here are seven ways that you can contribute to a more environmentally sustainable food system:

1. Buying local means that the number of miles that your food travels is minimized, which can reduce the amount of fossil fuels required for transportation.

2. Consider reducing consumption of commercially produced animal products, or buy animal products that are sustainably raised (grassfed, pastured chicken, etc) if you can afford it.

3. When dining out, eat at restaurants that source ingredients from local farms.

4. Shop at your local food co-op and buy in bulk with your own containers to reduce plastic waste.

5. Consider minimizing consumption of products like chocolate, coffee, bananas, avocados, and other products that are usually imported from long distances.

6. Buy fewer packaged, processed foods (even if they say organic!). Make your own snacks and package them in reusable containers.

7. Grow your own garden or grow food in containers if you don’t have space.

Learn more about our local, sustainable Autumn Vegetable and Herb CSA

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Blog

Autumn Vegetable & Herb CSA

August 8, 2020By

As our summer flower season continues, we look forward to autumn vegetables and herbs from the farm. And we want to share this year’s harvest with you! We are committed to sustainability, so shares are limited. Don’t miss out on your chance to nourish your body and support survivors.

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SIGN UP TODAY

HOW IT WORKS

Membership includes 12 weekly shares of our farm’s vegetable and herb harvest beginning September 2 and ending November 18. Your shares will be ready for pickup on Wednesdays between 4 – 6 pm at the High Street YMCA, 239 E High Street, Lexington.

You’ll receive a generous selection of seasonal vegetables and herbs each week. Typical shares include 5-7 items with enough fresh veggies for a family of 2-4 people or split with a friend or neighbor. We’ll send you an email with produce listing and recipe ideas the Friday before each week’s share is distributed, so you can meal plan over the weekend.

WHAT YOU GET

Each week’s share will change with the season, but we anticipate the following monthly harvests:

  • September: basil, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cilantro, dill, kale, kohlrabi, peppers, radishes, yellow squash, zucchini
  • October: arugula, basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, Chinese cabbage, cilantro, collard greens, collard greens, dill, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuces, pac choi, peas, pumpkin, radishes, snap peas, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips
  • November: arugula, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, collard greens, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuces, parsnips, radishes, rutabaga, snap peas, snow peas, spinach, Swiss chard, turnips.


WHY IT MATTERS

Your membership supports nature-based healing for survivors of intimate partner abuse, and you receive fresh local produce from a farmer you know. Our farm is committed to sustainable agricultural practices. We use organic fertilizers and compost, and our pesticides and sprays are derived from natural sources. Drip irrigation and hand labor control our farm’s carbon footprint.

We farm to make healthy meals for adults and children living at our emergency shelter. Survivors grow strong in body and mind while tending to the vegetables and herbs on the farm. We share the harvest with the community to raise awareness and support for the mission.

Our farm is supported by research related to trauma-informed care for women veterans, studies exploring the restorative and healing outcomes of therapeutic gardens, and examinations of “social farming” as a means to promote healing and community networks in rural areas.

Follow this link to sign up today.

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Bread from Sunrise BakeryBlog

Healing Power of Community and Bread

July 15, 2020By

While hardship continues here in Kentucky and across the world, we are continually inspired by the compassion and generosity of those around us.

There is nothing we love more than supporting and providing services to survivors of intimate partner abuse. What allows us to do this work is the immense amounts of support we receive from community partners and donors here in the Commonwealth.

As soon as COVID-19 hit Kentucky, a generous long-standing donor who wishes to be unnamed called Kristy Matherly of Sunrise Bakery and said, “I have an idea.”  

The donor wanted to support both Sunrise Bakery, a small family business in Lexington, KY and GreenHouse17 – and that is exactly what they did. Ten weeks later, 200 loaves of bread have been purchased by the donor and delivered to survivors at GreenHouse17.  

“Sunrise provided and is supported and GreenHouse17 is nourished. THIS is the perfect example of CommUNITY. So grateful for people like [this donor] and organizations like GreenHouse17 that life ones to higher vibrations.”
– Kristy and Steve Matherly of Sunrise Bakery  

When asking the donor who made all this local bread magic happen why they chose us and Sunrise Bakery, this is what they shared: 

Sunrise Bakery “… is owned and operated by generous, wonderful people who love this community and I wanted to support them as one of my favorite small businesses. I have always believed in GreenHouse17’s mission to protect and heal survivors and buying bread from Sunrise for survivors to enjoy seemed like a triple win.

Making fresh bread is a daily act just as being kind and loving is a daily choice; every day we have an opportunity to choose how to respond to what life brings. Sunrise and GreenHouse17 walk that daily walk with joy and inspire me.”  

Both Sunrise Bakery and our donor have gone above and beyond to support survivors both now and many times before. They both embody what it means the show up for community, and we are deeply grateful and inspired by their generosity and commitment to supporting survivors.  

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