medical center building university of kentuckyAnnual Report

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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a black dog smiling with eyes closedAnnual Report

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.

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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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.

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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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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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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Annual Report

Jean Sabharwal Award

January 11, 2024By

Bluegrass Families First is presenting our executive director, Darlene Thomas, with the 2024 Jean Sabharwal Award!

This award recognizes those who have demonstrated passionate advocacy for Lexington’s children and families. Tickets are on sale now for the award luncheon presented by Republic Bank. 

March 8, 2024
11:30 AM
The Kentucky Castle 

From Bluegrass Families First 

Since December 2004, Darlene has served as founder/Executive Director for GreenHouse17.  GreenHouse17, serving 17 central Kentucky counties, is an advocacy agency committed to ending intimate partner abuse and its impact on families and the community.  In her 33-year career as an advocate for survivors of power based violence and their families she has been responsible for direct service, comprehensive program development, and community engagement for social change efforts.  

Ms. Thomas provides leadership for multiple community collaborations and committees; provides expert testimony on legal cases; facilitates professional development training for local, state, national and international forums, and provides consultation for organizations who are seeking strategies to reimagine their services.  

Under her leadership, GreenHouse17 programs and services have received statewide and national awards for Innovation including: Commerce Lexington Nonprofit Community Impact Award, National ‘Shelter of the Year’ Purple Ribbon Award, Theresa Mary Byron Foundation Celebrating Solutions Award, the Kentucky Non Profit Network Innovative Award, the Center for Non Profit Excellency Pyramid Award for Social Innovation and was a Partnership for Freedom/Reimagine Opportunity national finalist.  She currently serves as Past-President and Legislative Chair for the ZeroV,  Kentucky’s domestic violence coalition. 

About Jean Sabharwal 

The Jean Sabharwal Award was inaugurated in February of 2014 during an event held to honor the founding partners of the Family Care Center. The award was presented to Jean Sabharwal, founding director of the Family Care Center. Ms. Sabharwal is a remarkable pioneer whose many years of dedication and advocacy have resulted in brighter futures and better lives for families and young children. 

The award was established by Bluegrass Families First to annually recognize an individual or group who has demonstrated passionate advocacy for Lexington’s children and families. The spirit of this award is fittingly expressed through a beautiful stained glass piece by Lexington artist Dan Barnes.

 

Senate Resolution 

Kentucky Senator Reginald Thomas introduced a resolution to recognize Darlene Thomas for receiving Jean Sabharwal Award from Bluegrass Families First. The Congressional Record of the 2024 Regular Session will commemorate the honor on the date of the award luncheon. 

 

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