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Today  – June 29, 2017 –  two new laws improving protections for victims of domestic and dating violence law go into effect.

1.)  Under the new law sponsored by Rep. Melinda Gibbons Prunty, it is illegal to evict any victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse or stalking who has a civil or criminal protective order. The new law also requires landlords to allow survivors who have long-term protective orders to replace locks on rental housing and break leases, while also making it illegal to deny someone rental housing because of their status as a victim.

2.) Under the new law sponsored by Sen. Ralph Alvarado and supported by more than two dozen organizations, Kentucky professionals in health care, school, faith, law enforcement, social services, and other sectors are required to provide resources and referrals for suspected victims. This new law replaces the previous “Mandatory Reporting” law that many advocates believe was ineffective and often endangered lives. Sherry Currens, Executive Director of Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, says the new law “will increase survivors’ awareness of services while preserving their ability to control their own lives.”

Both laws protect former spouses; individuals who are living together, have formerly lived together, or have a child in common; and victims of dating violence. The Lexington Herald-Leader published this editorial about the new laws, and our sister organization in Louisville, The Center for Women and Families, features an article by Sherry Currens about the replacement of the mandatory reporting law at this link.

We all know the holidays can be hectic and that sometimes you just need a break. That’s why we’re offering a yoga and hot chocolate event on December 17.

Come and relax with us in a class led by Delia Rose Gibbs and GreenHouse17 staff members, then savor the delicious hot chocolate catered by Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream alongside gourmet marshmallows made by Pamela Graham McDaniel!

The class will be held at Barefoot Works Yoga and is FREE with a donation to the 2016 Good Giving Challenge. For more information and to reserve your spot, join our event page on Facebook.

Have you been looking for a way to brush up on your painting skills? If so, come out to our Painting with GreenHouse17 event hosted by the talented instructors at Ethos! In this class, you will create a beautiful painting inspired by GreenHouse17’s farm. The paintings will go home with you to serve not only as a snazzy new decor piece in your home, but also as a reminder of the importance of giving individuals a safe, violence-free space to grow and flourish.

The class is $30 per person and everyone is invited! We hope you’ll join us on December 10^th at Ethos for this wonderful opportunity! For more information, join our event page on Facebook!

Join us at The Burl (map it) on Sunday, December 4 for a night of holiday music and fundraising for all ages. Rhyan Sinclair and Tara Bassett co-host this evening featuring some of the best musicians in the Bluegrass performing your holiday favorites to benefit the Foster Care Council of Lexington, KY and our organization:

• All the Little Pieces
• Paper Moon
• The Sway
• Whitney Acke
• Mandy Ray
• Jeana Pillion
• Ray Adams
• Kris Bentley
• David McLean
• Perry Ritter

Pre-sale tickets are $15 each and available from this link.. Tickets at the door will be $20. Children 12 and under attend free. For more information, join the event page on Facebook.

Calling all Classic Rock lovers! This month we have a very exciting opportunity from Classic Rock 92 One and Willis Music in Lexington!

These two business have joined forces to hold an online auction to raise funds for GreenHouse17 and two other wonderful local nonprofits: Lexington Rescue Mission and Military Missions Inc. Each charities will have 2-3 guitars that you can bid on from now until December 22 at 6 a.m. EST. Two guitars are up for bid to benefit our organization.

The first guitar to benefit our organization is a sleek black Foreigner brand electric guitar signed by all of the members of the band! It also comes with an autographed photo. (In case you forgot how much you love Foreigner, check out this adorable video of lead singer Kelly Hansen being interviewed on Kids Interview Bands.)

The second guitar to benefit our organization is a beautiful Ibenez acoustic signed by all 20 acts from this year’s Lexi Fest Festival! Some of the signatures include The McLain Family Band, Rhyan Elizabeth Sinclair, Alan Robinson, Driftwood Gypsy, and many others!

For more information and to place your bid, visit this link. Complete auction rules available at the link.   The winning bidder will make their donation through Paypal directly to the organization. Bidder will be responsible for shipping costs. For those about to rock, we wish you Happy Holidays.

A message from Darlene Thomas, GreenHouse17 Executive Director:

“Our vision is a community, nation, and world in which intimate partner abuse no longer exists. The safety and healing of survivors are complicated by systemic oppression. We stand against sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of persecution. And we will nurture lives harmed by intimate partner abuse. Today, tomorrow, and until the violence ends.”

Related links:

• Our Statement of Inclusion
• National Network to End Domestic Violence, Post-Election Statement
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Statement, Call to President-elect Trump

Lisa made this video. This is her story of healing and survival in her own voice. We share it with her permission. This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is being abused, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline: 800-544-2022.

By Anonymous

I have been fleeing a domestic violence situation for 13 months now.  

I left everything I and my kids owned, including our vehicle.  He threatened to kill us and himself to solve his problems.  I was terrified because he had already assaulted me numerous times and has even served time in prison for these assaults. 

You see at that point I didn’t really care about myself.

We had nowhere to go. Once we left we stayed with a couple of friends then finally the domestic violence shelter. He continued to call and harass me and threaten me. After several other unfortunate encounters with him, I was advised to leave again.

After quite a journey, I am at GreenHouse17 now with one of my children.

I did not like the abuse ever. I was in a constant state of fear and anxiety never knowing what would happen. I did not know where to go or how to get help. 

I was so fortunate to find GreenHouse17. They have helped me and my son get the therapy we both desperately need, as well as food, shelter, and basic needs…

This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is being abused, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline: 800-544-2022.

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By Mayor Ed Burtner
City of Winchester, Kentucky

In a civilized society we are judged by how we treat the most vulnerable and the least able to protect and defend themselves.

I am concerned about domestic violence because it affects the safety and health of our citizens. The ramifications in the lives of children exposed to domestic violence today compromises the well-being of the next generation in our community. A mile from the Clark County line is an award-winning domestic violence shelter.

GreenHouse17 provides a safe harbor, warm bed and wholesome meal for the most vulnerable at their darkest moments. With the gardens and green space, families are able to re-connect with life, sunshine, flowers and food producing plants. Self- worth is enhanced and self- esteem re-kindled. Mothers and children are afforded a much-needed next chance.

Advocates from this organization stand beside survivors from our city during court proceedings and facilitate support groups at confidential locations in our community. Counseling brings women to the altar of re-birth and renewal. What was broken is mended. What was bruised is healed.

My wife, Carolyn, served for many years on this organization’s Board of Directors. She and I supported the organization when it began to cultivate the land that surrounds its emergency shelter to provide sustenance and stability for survivors. This approach of growing food and opportunity spoke to us, in part, because of the rich agricultural history of our Clark County community. We have witnessed the expansion of the agency’s farming endeavors to include nature-based job-training programs.

GreenHouse17 is a beacon for the battered and bruised. It is a safe haven for those in need of protection and a loving touch. Godspeed to those that serve and are served.

This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.