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Our History

Service delivery begins
Service delivery begins

Founded as Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program with support of Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, United Way, and 100 Women.

Nonprofit Designation
Nonprofit Designation

Federal designation naming our organization a nonprofit entity arrives.

Emergency Shelter Dedication
Emergency Shelter Dedication

Agency relocates to current location on 40-acre property in rural Fayette County.

NATURE-BASED HEALING BEGINS
NATURE-BASED HEALING BEGINS

A few box gardens are planted to grow vegetables for meal preparation at the shelter.

Flower Sales Begin
Flower Sales Begin

Field-grown flowers sales begin and small Summer Flower CSA launched.

New Name & Brand
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
Handmade by Survivors Launch

The first batch of Handmade by Survivors products are sold to the public.

Award Recognitions
Award Recognitions

Agency receives national, regional, and local awards for innovative nature-based programming.

Supportive Transitional Housing
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
safe exchange sign

Assumed and launched Children’s Safe Exchange and Visitation Program upon closure of existing provider.

Shelter Renovation Begins
Shelter Renovation Begins

LFUCG Grants and Special Programs awards agency $420,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to renovate emergency shelter.

Shelter Renovation Complete
Shelter Renovation Complete

Community supporters gather to rededicate the renovated emergency shelter.

Pandemic Response
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
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
purple ribbon award

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
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.