Blog

Fashion Takes Flight

July 9, 2026By

Modeling the Mission!

A longtime charitable event organized by students at Lexington Catholic High School was paused during the pandemic. This spring, a motivated group of students brought it back with a new vision to support survivors.

Emme Peterson, Grace Tibe, and Molly Johnson visited our emergency shelter to learn more about our mission and share their plan.

An airplane hangar would become the fashion runway. Local boutiques would lend clothing, and students would model.

In the weeks that followed, they prepared the event for takeoff. Boutique partners signed on, and in-kind support from Triton Airways and Lundy’s Special Events was secured.

Students modeled curated looks from local shops, walking the runway to music mixed by a fellow student. Family and friends purchased tickets to gather and cheer them on.

Together, they raised more than $5,000 to support the mission.

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Blog

Sara’s Story

July 6, 2026By

“Document everything. That helped to prove what was really going on.”

We were together for six years. He was a charmer at first. The abuse started slow. It started early and gradually got worse and worse, as they usually do.

There was a lot of physical, mental, and sexual abuse. You name it, we had it. He had knocked my front two teeth in over me not wanting to have sex. That is when I left and didn’t go back.

I went to the police department to get a new EPO. That’s where I met Kris, my GreenHouse17 advocate, and started going to her support group.

Then the stalking started.

He was tracking my car. He was showing up everywhere. I’d have to come home from work because he was sitting outside my house, trying to talk to my kid when he got off the bus.

When I asked for an extra patrol one night, Detective Joey Valdez came to my house. We went over all the different phone calls and text messages and started to build a case.

There was a lot of court. A lot of DVO violations. It got to the point we stopped counting his violations after it was 30 something.

I can’t tell you how many times I’d have to walk through my house with all the lights off so that I could look outside. He’s in jail now, but I still think about it if my dogs are barking in the middle of the night.

You’re at rock bottom.

Getting back on your feet is the hardest part. He isolated me. I was a stay-at-home mom for a long time and didn’t have access to money. I had to move in with my mom. My kids didn’t have their own beds.

Those are the hardest times because you have to let go of the life that you had.

Focus on the future. The support group was really helpful. That was my first time reaching out for help, and the first time it felt like I wasn’t doing it by myself. There was no way I could have done it without the resources.

It’s been therapeutic to share my story. It was something I didn’t know I needed, and it feels really good.

I’m remarried and had a baby. I’m a dental assistant, and I work with kids. I own my own home in the country and have chickens and pigs. I still go to the support group sometimes because I feel like I could help somebody else.

This is only part of Sara’s story, in her own words, shared with permission.

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Blog

Recent Legislative Session

June 23, 2026By

The Kentucky legislative session concluded in April, and Governor Beshear signed three bills related to our mission into law.

The new legislation, taking effect July 1, strengthens protections for survivors of intimate partner abuse in Kentucky.

Legislation introduced by Representative Steven Rudy makes stalking a felony offense and expands the definition to include social media.

“Social media is part of our daily lives, and it’s critically important that our laws protecting victims reflect these changes,” says Darlene Thomas, our executive director.

A 10-year protective order for victims whose abuser is convicted of first- or second-degree felony assault also becomes law.

Introduced by Representative Stephanie Dietz, this legislation also improves how data is collected for Kentucky’s Annual Domestic Violence Data Report.

“Felony assault convictions typically include prison sentences because these are crimes of severe physical harm, often with a weapon. Survivors
deserve continued protection when the abuser is released.”

Legislation sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams, amended to include legislation introduced by Representative Jason Nemes, requires privately paid parental
coordinators and visitation super visors to complete training in the dynamics of domestic violence.

“We must ensure those providing services for survivors and their children can identify signs of coercive control and risks for escalated violence,” Darlene says.

Although several bills introduced this year did not make it out of committee review, the process began important conversations about the needs of survivors.

Follow this link to ZeroV's Policy Center.

The attention and service elected officials give to our mission - and the legislative advocacy of ZeroV, Kentucky's statewide voice against intimate partner abuse - matters for the safety of survivors and our community.

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Blog

Inspired Giving

April 2, 2026By

Altruism Matters

The Economics of Altruism class at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics recently selected our organization as a partner agency.

As part of the course, a team of five students completed an in-depth economic analysis and recommendations for our nonprofit. “The survey results from the students were especially helpful in planning our social media strategies,” shares Chelsey Keesy, our content specialist. “Their feedback gave us insight into how younger audiences want to engage with their communities.”

At the end of the semester, we attended a Grant Award Ceremony and were honored with a $7,500 award, recognizing the students’ work and the impact of this partnership.

Thank you to team members Riley Garrett, Grace Stanley, Ana McClellan, Ashtyn Williams, and Layla Angeles Plakosh, guided by Dr. Gail Hoyt, professor of economics. The project was generously supported by Charles and Valerie Sonsteby and the Davisson/Sonsteby Family Charitable Trust.

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Annual Report

Artist Enrichment Grant

March 30, 2026By

Empowered Expression

Through the Artist Enrichment Grant at the Kentucky Foundation for Women, photographer Katie Romano will support survivors this year through her digital and analog art.

Katie says, “I am so excited to be working with GreenHouse17 and creating artwork which uplifts and advocates for women. Sharing the voices of survivors is a critical step to raise awareness.”

This is Katie’s second Bloom cover collaboration. We were excited to welcome her back to help share Paula’s story and look forward to sharing more survivor stories with the community this year.

“When survivors choose to share their stories, the experience affirms their strength and makes their healing visible,” says Corissa Phillips, our external relations director. “Photography can tell these stories in ways that words alone cannot.”

The Artist Enrichment grant provides opportunities for artists to develop new skills and art that advances social justice in Kentucky. This year’s recipients include artists across literary, performing, visual, and media art. Visit the Kentucky Foundation for Women website at kfw.org to learn more.

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Annual Report

Harvest Happiness

March 26, 2026By

U-Pick Days on the Farm

Summer is on the way, and we’re already looking forward to U-Pick Days on the farm.

Survivors living at the shelter find healing and a sense of purpose in the flower fields. U-Pick Days help sustain the farm while inviting the community to share that energy.

“I loved being around all the flowers,” shares a survivor who helped the farm. “It really made me see how full of life the world is.”

Survivors earn an hourly stipend for their time and care on the farm, helping meet basic needs while finding healing in nature.

For many survivors, time on the farm becomes something they carry with them.

“When I’m working on the farm, I feel at peace,” shares another survivor. “Not only did I learn about flowers, I learned more about myself.”

Make plans for some flower picking fun this summer! Our U-Pick Season Pass includes four picks on Saturdays in August and September. Bring family and friends to introduce them to our mission. Find all the details here.

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Blog

Transformative Ink

March 26, 2026By

A New Step Forward

For the past year and a half, Tenebrous Tattoo has offered something deeply significant for survivors—tattoo cover-ups as a tool for healing.

“It’s very healing,” says Lynnae, a survivor who recently had a scar covered. “It’s like putting your past behind you. It’s a new step forward.”

When Tenebrous opened, owners Joshua and Angela wanted a way to give back to the community. Joshua was covering up work put on a friend by an abuser, and the idea for this partnership began to take shape.

“Throughout the totality of my time tattooing, I have seen the value of cover-ups for people who were covering up a negative part of their life,” he shares.

Angela adds, “A cover-up is transformative. It’s a rare opportunity to see it actively transform someone as they watch that old work disappear.”

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Annual Report

Community Connectors

March 26, 2026By

Informing the community about intimate partner abuse and sharing resources is a vital part of ending harm and helping survivors find safety and support.

We receive more than a hundred invitations to participate in resource fairs and community events across our service area every year. While not able to attend them all, the recently launched Community Connectors program helps extend that reach.

The effort trains volunteers to attend events, share information, and engage in meaningful conversations. Since its launch, five dedicated volunteers have represented the mission at several events.

Katherine Lewellen says, “It’s an honor to represent GreenHouse17 as a community connector. It has been a wonderful experience and the friendships and connections I have made are invaluable to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to support survivors in this way.”

Their dedication means greater access to resources for survivors, stronger relationships with local partners, and more pathways to safety.

“I enjoy engaging with community members at events like U-Pick Days and Rock Relief,” shares community connector Sharon Leong. “I love being able to provide information about services and the ways individuals and organizations can help.”

We’re seeking community connectors in Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties. If you’d like to learn more, please send Hallie a note here.

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Paula’s Story

March 16, 2026By

“When you’re a survivor, you’re surviving.”

I had my own place, and a new job, and that’s where I met him.

There was a lot of gaslighting. He would call me names and belittle me. He always made me feel like I was dumb, and I knew I wasn’t.

It was a lot of getting back together, trying to make things work. I knew I had to get out of the relationship but found out I was pregnant.

One night I came home after working one of my two jobs and he was drunk. We started fighting. He was really angry. He grabbed my arms and tackled me to the ground and left a bruise.

That was the first and only physical abuse. I left and filed for a protective order. He avoided being served for months. I had to quit my jobs and move to a shelter in Frankfort.

I wasn’t required to attend the court hearing in Lexington but was so desperate. I told the judge I had to revoke my emergency protective order because I didn’t have anywhere to go. I had to go back to my abuser.

The judge said no—and asked if there was a representative from GreenHouse17 in the court.

Living at GreenHouse17 was the best of times and the worst of times. I treated it like a sociological project and tried to intellectualize my trauma. The things that were most helpful were the support groups. I went to every group that I could attend.

Coming here gave me resources to deal with what happened during my childhood. I grew up in a very chaotic situation and GreenHouse17 gave me tools to deal with this trauma.

When you’re a survivor, you’re surviving. You’re going to make compromises with yourself and your pride to deal with abusers. You will have to make sacrifices.

People think you’re going to be this exemplary human, the heroine of your story, but you’re a flawed person like anybody else.

Everything that happens in our lives feeds into our journey. The most important thing is getting back on your feet. Go to therapy, talk with a therapist, and find healthy coping strategies.

I lived in the transitional housing program after shelter. Having a place of my own that I could afford kept me from going back.

Today, I work at two elementary schools, volunteer at church, co-lead a Latino Literacy program, and am working to become a Spanish Interpreter for Fayette County Schools.

I’m planning to get my master’s degree and will be getting married this year. We’ve been together for five years. He’s very compassionate, peaceful and calm.

This is only part of Paula’s story, in her own words, shared with permission.

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Annual Report

Healing Together

November 3, 2025By

A Place Where Animals Belong

Pets are more than companions for many survivors. They’re lifelines. Abusers often exploit this bond, using threats or harm to animals as a way to maintain control.

For those seeking safety from intimate partner abuse, leaving a beloved pet behind can feel impossible. That’s why our 40-acre farm is a place where survivors and their animals can heal together until it is safe to begin again.

A few animals on our farm never leave because we are their forever home. Horses Solo and Saucy graze in quiet pastures, waiting at the fence for children coming home from school.

Farm cats wander the summer flower rows, dodging attempts to capture them in photos, and find refuge in their handmade winter condos when the temperatures cool.

Other animal friends drop in for a visit from time to time. We love when service puppies-in-training hang out on the porch to practice their social skills. Past visits from Timber’s Grateful Companions, Mater the goat, and his sister Itty Bitty Betty have made hard days lighter.

Survivors and animals deserve to rediscover what safety and connection truly feel like. Because love, in all its forms, is healing.

Forever Part of Our Healing Home

We dedicate this issue to three animal friends  gone too soon. Morris, our first property cat, passed years ago and today serves as our unofficial mascot. Boone, our neighbor dog, never belonged to us but found a special place in our hearts with his regular visits. JB, the beloved horse of Lyndsay, a longtime advocate in the mission, lived with us on the farm for many years. His hooves may rest, but his spirit still runs deep.

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