Our History
Service delivery begins
Founded as Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program with support of Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, United Way, and 100 Women.
Nonprofit Designation
Federal designation naming our organization a nonprofit entity arrives.
Emergency Shelter Dedication
Agency relocates to current location on 40-acre property in rural Fayette County.
NATURE-BASED HEALING BEGINS
A few box gardens are planted to grow vegetables for meal preparation at the shelter.
Flower Sales Begin
Field-grown flowers sales begin and small Summer Flower CSA launched.
New Name & Brand
With input from survivors and the community, organization changes name to reflect the commitment to nurturing lives harmed in 17 counties.
Handmade by Survivors Launch
The first batch of Handmade by Survivors products are sold to the public.
Award Recognitions
Agency receives national, regional, and local awards for innovative nature-based programming.
Supportive Transitional Housing
In partnership with Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, construction launched for $4.3 million scattered-site housing project for survivors. Agency receives $348,000 federal grant to support delivery of housing services.
Safe Exchange & Visitation
Assumed and launched Children’s Safe Exchange and Visitation Program upon closure of existing provider.
Shelter Renovation Begins
LFUCG Grants and Special Programs awards agency $420,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to renovate emergency shelter.
Shelter Renovation Complete
Community supporters gather to rededicate the renovated emergency shelter.
Pandemic Response
Policies and practices informed by Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Lexington Homelessness Prevention & Intervention “Infectious Disease: Homeless System Response Plan” developed to keep survivors and staff healthy during the pandemic response.
New Publication Begins
The first publication of Bloom, a quarterly magazine-style publication, is launched to share stories of survival and ways to support the mission.
Purple Ribbon Awards
Agency receives Purple Ribbon Award for Program/Shelter of the Year during a ceremony hosted Theresa’s Fund and by DomesticShelters.org. Recognitions for Best Impact Publication and Innovative Program also received.
Nonprofit Impact Award
Commerce Lexington recognizes our organization with the Salute to Small Business Nonprofit Impact Award for services, fundraising, and inspiration in the community.
