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Cassie’s Story

March 24, 2025By

“Accepting help was one of the most challenging, yet life-changing decisions we made.”

I was raised in an upper middle-class family surrounded by support and stability. When I married, I believed I was building a life with a partner who was committed to his sobriety and helping others through his profession as a clinical social worker.  

On the outside, everything seemed ideal. Behind closed doors, the reality was much different. He made the choice to return to using drugs and everything began to unravel.  

It wasn’t just the physical abuse – chairs being thrown at us or being threatened with knives. My reality was constantly being twisted. Gaslighting made me question my memory, instincts, and sanity. We walked on eggshells. 

My children were at a point where suicide seemed a viable option, coming to me saying, ‘what if we just all died, and it wouldn’t be so bad anymore.’ That was the wake-up call for me to finally do something. 

With several late-night calls to the hotline at GreenHouse17, we planned and filed an emergency protective order. Accepting help was one of the most challenging, yet life-changing decisions we made.  

My advocate was there the day of the court appearance. She held my hand during all of it and walked me to my car.  

After 23 years of marriage, my children and I finally found the courage to seek help. For too many years I had been trapped in a cycle of fear, silence, and self-doubt. 

I am proud to say my children and I have been free from abuse for the last seven years. It hasn’t been an easy road, but it was worth every step. 

I have amazing kids, and they make me so proud. My oldest graduated with honors and went on to receive her master’s degree and my youngest is a sophomore with a full ride scholarship, pursuing their dreams. I have found a job I enjoy, and, after all these years, I am in a healthy relationship built on trust and respect. Our story is one of survival, resilience, and healing.  

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

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picture of four soaps on a white backgroundAnnual Report

Heart & Craft

November 14, 2024By

“We are all handmade, we are not meant to be perfect, we are just meant to try to be our best selves possible.”

Every product from our farm tells a story and is crafted with care by survivors reclaiming their lives.

“I know whoever purchases our products will enjoy them as much as I’m liking being a part of making them.”

What began as simple crafts made in microwaves at the shelter has grown to be a line of handmade products enjoyed by supporters across the nation.

Bekah, an advocate with focus on making products, explains, “Women often neglect self-care, especially in abusive relationships where it’s discouraged. Our crafting sessions offer a safe space to rediscover and nurture creativity.”

The first soaps created during the early years—Fresh Start, Soothing Serenity, Sweet Harmony, and Awaken Joy—are still made today. Soothing Serenity was formulated by two women who loved the scent of rosemary.

“Survivors help every step of the way. Each product is linked to someone’s story. It’s not just about the product, but the person behind it,” Bekah says.

Your purchase of Handmade by Survivors products supports creativity and collaboration to foster healing after abuse. And every item smells so good! They also make wonderful holiday gifts for friends near and far. Consider a Hope Box of handmade products for your corporate gift-giving this season.

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minnie mouse and bluey with two staff membersAnnual Report

Cosplay for a Cause Foundation

October 14, 2024By

Cosplay for a Cause Foundation brings children’s favorite characters to life, providing moments of joy and inspiration.

Founded by Elizabeth Redding, Lee Davis, and Greg Frederick in 2020, the foundation supports nonprofits through volunteering, fundraising events, and uses cosplay to uplift and support children.

Each year members select a local organization to support. Through fundraisers and outreach efforts, including character meet and greets, Cosplay for a Cause has shown immense support for survivors.

Member Theresa Smith says, “It is an honor and privilege for me to create joy and laughter, allowing both children and adults to forget their hardships for a brief moment. Through this process, our members find solace and healing as well.”

The kids living at the shelter have met Bluey, Mirabel, Luisa, Cinderella, Mario, Captain America, Big Bird, and more.

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tania and her two girls standing in front of a tree making hearts with their hands21 Years

Tania’s Story

September 26, 2024By

“We believe this is the only person that is going to save us when they are the person that is ruining us.”

I realized that’s why I got targeted, because they look for people that are merciless to themselves. The strong woman that I am would never have allowed that to happen.

But it’s not about strength. It’s not about knowledge. It’s not about being intelligent or unintelligent.

This person strips everything from you. It does not happen overnight. It is a process. By the time they get you to your most vulnerable, you are alone, because they’ve made sure of that.

Even if you want help, even if you have people in your life, you don’t know how to articulate to these people that you need help. You’re worried about this person hurting your family, hurting people that you care about.

I made a choice to get out. It doesn’t matter when you make that choice. It doesn’t matter why you make that choice. Whatever gets you out of that situation. That’s all that matters.

There were times in the shelter I was a hot mess, but you all saw more in me. That’s what you need. You need people around you that see something great. It was me saying I was worthy of that.

I want my daughters to see that there is better in life, and they don’t have to go down my path. They can go a different way because they are worthy.

That’s why I call them my princesses because I want them to know that they are royalty. It doesn’t matter where they grow up or if we have a lot of money. Your heart and your mind are what matters.

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

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paige swope standing in front of shelter doorsAnnual Report

A Clean Start

August 5, 2024By

“I endured every form of abuse from a partner for several years.”

Paige Swope holds the Ms. Kentucky Festivals 2023 title, and her platform is awareness for intimate partner abuse.

“I endured every form of abuse from a partner for several years,” she shares. “Women, and especially children, who are suffering through a domestic violence relationship lay heavy on my heart.”

Paige began her support for our organization during this year’s Shop & Share event in February. “It brought tears to my eyes seeing how much support the community was giving.”

The experience inspired Paige to do more. She recently organized an online donation drive for self-care items to support survivors and their children living at the shelter.

“There were many times I went days without brushing my teeth, combing my hair, or showering,” she remembers. “I want women and children to never have to worry about having access to basic hygiene necessities.”

“It took me years to physically and mentally heal from the abuse I endured, and now that I am free, I want nothing more than to be able to give back and contribute to such an important organization.”

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attendees in photo boothAnnual Report

AAWD & UK College of Dentistry Partnership

July 29, 2024By

Dental health matters to the physical and emotional well-being of survivors.

Many have been denied medical care and suffered tooth trauma before fleeing the abuser.

For nearly two decades, a partnership with the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry has responded to the need.

Seven survivors are currently receiving dental care and treatment from the university’s Student Dental Clinic.

AAWD members organize an annual fundraiser to replenish the survivor dental fund. This year’s event, Strut Your Smile, included a fashion show and silent auction.

“We get to fundraise, and then see them as a patient,” shares Ciara Sandefur, past president of the university’s AAWD chapter and Strut Your Smile committee member. “I think that is so cool.”

One survivor who received dental care and treatment through the AAWD partnership shares, “It’s given me my life back. I’m able to smile. I’m able to laugh again. I’ve had people tell me, ‘You’ve got a beautiful smile.’”

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darlene and pearse lyons foundationAnnual Report

Thank You Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation!

July 22, 2024By

Dr. Pearse Lyons founded Alltech with the vision of sustaining and nourishing the world’s plants, animals, and people.

A recent $100,000 donation from the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation to support our mission echoes this commitment.

The generous gift, made possible by the success of the second annual Alltech Make a Difference Golf Scramble, expands on previous investments in our small farm.

“A contribution to GreenHouse17 creates a home for healing and regeneration, as well as the ability to serve thousands of survivors each year through legal advocacy, affordable housing assistance, children’s safe exchange and visitation, and countless other services,” said Deirdre Lyons, Alltech’s co-founder and director of corporate image, design and construction.

“GreenHouse17 saves and transforms lives,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Our partnership goes beyond the funds we can donate but extends to exchanging ideas around future fundraising opportunities and business outlets that help to further their mission, which we profoundly believe in.”

“We can’t do it alone,” says Darlene Thomas, our executive director. “Ending intimate partner abuse must be a community effort. Alltech’s longtime support for our farm’s goals to foster stability for survivors and generate sustainable revenue for our mission is a testament to the possibilities of partnership.”

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aerial view of farmBlog

Summer on the Farm

July 15, 2024By

“The farm awakens a part of me that makes me feel strong and peaceful.”

The summer months are busy on our 40-acre property. From healthy cooking workshops using vegetables from the farm to trauma-informed yoga under the pavilion, residents reflect and find healing in lots of ways.

Although many adult survivors living in shelter and transitional housing take part in the farm’s six-week curriculum to develop job skills while earning a weekly stipend, the commitment can be too physically or emotionally intensive for survivors who have recently escaped abuse.

“The healing garden allows survivors to be even more involved with our therapeutic horticulture and farm-to-table dining programs,” explains Hattie, a farm advocate. “Residents can help tend to flowers, vegetables, and herbs that will eventually make their way into the shelter.”

This garden is a space reserved for survivors and their children to experience the benefits of nature together without worries of making mistakes. There’s something special about eating a dinner made with ingredients you helped grow and harvest.

“It’s a chance for residents of all ages to come and experience the healing powers of the farm,” adds Ryan, an advocate focused on nature-based experiences. “Going outside is important for our brains and bodies. To come out and spend just a couple hours learning a new skill or interacting with a living thing can really make a difference in a day.”

Nature-based healing on the farm is supported by grants from United Way of the Bluegrass, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Extended Social Resources, and BGCF365.

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chelsea standing in front of shelter doorsBlog

Chelsea’s Story

July 11, 2024By

“My life and stability were up in the air.”

“I was scared and trying to leave this relationship, trying to get my ducks in a row.”

A childhood friend recommended she reach out to ask for our support. Chelsea was pregnant when she and her two-year-old arrived at the emergency shelter.

“I would spend hours walking back and forth on the front porch with him in the stroller. I couldn’t get him to sleep and didn’t want to disturb anyone else.”

Those first few weeks living at the shelter weren’t easy. “I was hyper-focusing and overthinking everything. It was really hard on me, being pregnant. My life and stability were up in the air.”

She stayed busy on purpose. “I was meeting with my advocates, doing therapy, or doing groups. We would talk about boundaries and red flags, green flags, even yellow flags.”

During one group activity, Chelsea remembers writing a note to her younger self and a note to the abuser to burn in the fire pit.

“We talked about boundaries and coping techniques. I always did the mommy and me groups. We did pottery and yoga under the pavilion.”

Although put on bed rest during the final weeks of her pregnancy, Chelsea was able to move into a transitional apartment with her son before the baby was born.

“I was in a different elementary school each grade of the year, so stability was always a real big thing for me. When I had kids, I knew that I needed stability because I never had it.”

When asked what she would tell someone coming into shelter, Chelsea said, “You’re here to heal. If you come with that mindset, you’re going to feel like a totally different person. But remember not everybody is going to understand what you went through, so not everybody deserves your story.”

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

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