Planting New Roots - GreenHouse17 proves to be not only a shelter, but a fresh beginning

In February 2005, GreenHouse17 opened their doors the second they received their 501(c)(3) designation, with more enthusiasm than resources at that point. Having only an internal building on a Salvation Amy property, the organization was functioning on the backs of approximately eight employees, who were trying to maintain 24/7 services and a crisis line with no computers at hand.  

Their solution? Move to an empty 40–acre horse farm.  

Executive Director Darlene Thomas said despite it being an unpopular decision at the time, it ended up becoming one of the most rewarding ones. Having had no true vision in mind, Thomas said it quickly shifted the trajectory of what they could offer. They found a way to make themselves unique and morph into a space where women and their kids feel comfortable.  

With plenty of space for children to play and roam free outside, adults too have their own chance to get some dirt under their nails, whether that be helping in the garden, taking part in the butterfly sanctuary or even flower picking. Such opportunities are what Thomas considers to be forms of nature–based healing, a common ground between survivors and the land.

 For those who prefer to keep their hands clean, survivors and one employee make and sell soaps, lip balm, bath salts and candles on the organization’s website as an additional form of healing that also generates revenue for shelter expenses.  

Thomas said it’s through alternative forms of healing combined with counseling, advocacy and education that it’s become a place “survivors are proud to be (in) and live at GreenHouse17, to be a part of our program.” That healing comes about, Thomas added, from being part of an inclusive community that has reduced the shame in being deemed a victim.  

As a nonprofit, Thomas said, their main challenge comes with an everchanging landscape. The organization receives some forms of government funding but there is fluidity in terms of the amount of grants, current policies and more.  

Thomas said if such funding streams were to dissipate, they’d be forced to face the struggle of serving many people with minimal funding. Therefore, they focus on maintaining a strong connection with their community and donors as a way to always keep their doors open, emphasizing that their donations and assistance not only funds the nonprofit but keeps people alive.  

The organization’s creative use of marketing and selling of products, combined with gardening some of their own food, has led to GreenHouse17 being recognized with the Shelter of the Year Ribbon Award and the Kentucky Nonprofit Network’s Innovative Nonprofit Award, among others. 

There are countless ways to provide a lending hand to GreenHouse17, not all of which require getting your hands dirty:  

 

GreenHouse17
P.O. Box 55190
Lexington, KY 40555 

 24–hour crisis line:(800) 544-2022  

Business line:(859) 233-0657  


By Hannah Stanley via Lane Report