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Our History

2004

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.
2005

Nonprofit Designation

Nonprofit Designation
Federal designation naming our organization a nonprofit entity arrives.
2005

Emergency Shelter Dedication

Emergency Shelter Dedication
Agency relocates to current location on 40-acre property in rural Fayette County.
2007

NATURE-BASED HEALING BEGINS

NATURE-BASED HEALING BEGINS
A few box gardens are planted to grow vegetables for meal preparation at the shelter.
2013

Flower Sales Begin

Flower Sales Begin
Field-grown flowers sales begin and small Summer Flower CSA launched.
2013

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.
2013

Handmade by Survivors Launch

Handmade by Survivors Launch
The first batch of Handmade by Survivors products are sold to the public.
2013

Award Recognitions

Award Recognitions
Agency receives national, regional, and local awards for innovative nature-based programming.
2016

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.
2018

Safe Exchange & Visitation

safe exchange sign
Assumed and launched Children’s Safe Exchange and Visitation Program upon closure of existing provider.
2019

Shelter Renovation Begins

Shelter Renovation Begins
LFUCG Grants and Special Programs awards agency $420,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to renovate emergency shelter.
2019

Shelter Renovation Complete

Shelter Renovation Complete
Community supporters gather to rededicate the renovated emergency shelter.
2020

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.
2021

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.
2021

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.
2022

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.