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Remembering Lydia

March 16, 2023By Blog, Stories
"There is no normal anymore. You've got to find the new normal." Early last year Lydia Cassady, a devoted mother of two teenagers and a certified clinical medical assistant, was preparing to flee the abuse of her longtime partner and father of her children. He shot and killed her in…
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Teen Dating Violence Awareness – Part 1

February 15, 2023By Blog, Stories
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. TDVAM has me thinking about my past and my daughter’s future.   It wasn’t until I started working at GreenHouse17 that I really reflected on my first high school relationship. And even more so after having my daughter in September.   My first…
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Handmade Experiences

November 21, 2022By Blog, Stories
“I know whoever purchases our products will enjoy them as much as I’m liking being a part of making them.” These words were written by a survivor who participated in handmade programming on the farm that surrounds our emergency shelter. The process of making products encourages healing and economic opportunity…
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Christy’s Story

October 13, 2022By Blog, Stories
"I felt like there wasn’t a way out." Nine years ago, I was being physically, sexually, and psychologically abused. I felt like there wasn’t a way out.   I never thought I would experience domestic violence. I remember saying, “I dare someone to put their hands on me,” and I…
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Empowered by Plants

August 1, 2022By Blog, Stories
The University of Kentucky Center for Research on Violence Against Women recently completed a multi-year study of the farm’s effectiveness. “Our mission is research,” shares Diane Follingstad, Ph.D. “If you have been a victim of violence as a woman, we would like to know the best ways to help you…
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Michelle's story bloom cover21 Years

Michelle’s Story

July 11, 2022By 21 Years, Blog, Stories
"He would give me a lot of attention, something I wasn't used to." We met in 2009, but we didn’t really start dating until the beginning of the following year. It was a bunch of love bombing at first. Then his drinking started coming out and verbal, mental, and emotional…
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21 Years

Takiyrah’s Story

March 9, 2022By 21 Years, Blog, Stories
"It’s not over, but I also know I’m not afraid anymore." I was established in Chicago. I had my own childcare facility, condo, and car. I was in college at the time and wasn’t into the whole dating scene. He was super persistent and very handsome. He just wore me…
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Morgan’s Story

November 11, 2021By Blog, Stories
“I am exactly who he told me I couldn‘t be." Before my kids and I escaped, I didn’t feel like I had anyone. It was a really low point in my life. I was seeing a therapist in Lexington, and we came to the realization together that I was in…
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