Refuge for women — Central Kentucky - Refuge for women

Refuge for women — Central Kentucky

AFTERCARE FOR THE TRAFFICKED & SEXUALLY EXPLOITED

Refuge for Women stands as a pivotal nonprofit, steadfastly committed to liberating women from the grasp of the sex industry. Operating under the umbrella of a registered 501(c)(3) status, our organization thrives on the benevolence of individuals such as yourself to sustain our noble cause. With your support, we forge ahead in our mission to offer unwavering support, compassionate care, and empowering opportunities to those who are most vulnerable. Each contribution plays a pivotal role in transforming the lives of women who seek solace and a chance for renewal. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining forces with us, as together, we embark on a journey to rekindle hope and restore dignity to the lives of women across Kentucky and beyond.

Human Trafficking is a dark industry that abuses and exploits women of all ages. When a woman is rescued from a trafficker, she is left with many years of past trauma and oftentimes, substance abuse issues.

About the programm

Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith based organization that provides long-term care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. Refuge for Women offers safe housing with 24-hour-a-day staffing. The program is designed, and staff trained, to help residents recognize their goals in life, and to assist them in reaching those goals, and facilitate healing. A resident can complete the program in 9 months and may have the opportunity for an additional 3 months of aftercare. Our hope is for each woman to leave Refuge for Women with self-sustainability and a life marked with dignity and hope.

PHASE 1: HEALING

Phase 1 provides stabilization and safety for victims of trauma. We provide a therapeutic atmosphere for our residents to sustain safe relationships, rebuild trust, and maintain a lifestyle of structure that promotes recovery and maturity. We have a daily schedule that includes classes, devotionals, recovery meetings, recreational activities and exercise, Bible studies, and group and individual counseling. Our classes are designed to aid in healing from things such as trauma, substance abuse, codependency, domestic violence, sexual addiction, and spirituality.

PHASE 2: LIFE SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT

During this phase, we equip women with the tools, training, and support to achieve and maintain a healthy, well-grounded life. Tools and training include computer education, preparing a resume, participating in mock interviews, exploring careers through internships, and receiving job placement assistance. Also, the residents are assisted with setting personal goals in the areas of higher education, financial planning, and personal growth. The women receive continued support through individualized counseling, life coaching, and attending weekly support meetings.

PHASE 3: OPTIONAL AFTERCARE / EMPLOYMENT

During this optional portion of the program, we continue to offer support, assessment, and accountability from the Program Director, individual counseling, and the opportunity for reduced living expenses, in the form of a Program Fee (versus rent). Additional Life Skills classes are also made available.

Providing a Place of Escape for Sexually Exploited Women

Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith based organization providing specialized long-term care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers up to twelve months of safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around the clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming.

We believe that every woman matters — that each woman should have the means and the resources to pursue the dreams they’ve had since they were little girls. We believe that these women need honest hope and honest love to be restored and redeemed. We believe that each woman deserves to walk without their past defining their future. We believe that women can walk free, stepping out of the chains that have bound them for so long. We believe in women.

What we believe?

Refuge for Women provides long term safe housing. The locations of the safe houses are unpublished, providing the opportunity for residents to be free of fear. Each resident is accepted, loved and given a pathway to a better life.

Safety

A structured program is in place for daily progress towards residents’ desired goals. Residents can reside within Refuge for Women for a maximum of 12 months. Licensed and loving personnel assist residents each day on their path of wholistic healing as they are equipped with life and job skills for a successful future.

Healing

Refuge for Women is committed to quality programming and creating more space across the United States for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation to have long term care. Current sites will continue to be strengthened and new sites will be opened.

Growth

Refuge for Women is a Christ-centered organization. Opportunities for spiritual growth occur each day. We welcome residents into our program regardless of their personal beliefs.

Faith

Shellena’s story

About the programm

PHASE 1: HEALING

PHASE 2: LIFE SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT

PHASE 3: OPTIONAL AFTERCARE / EMPLOYMENT

Who we are?

BOARD MEMBERS:

Chairperson: Chuck Butler — VP, Global Sales Operations, Lexmark International
Secretary: Ashley Bruggeman — Manager, CPG International
Treasurer: Sheila Beck — CPA, Dean Dorton Allen Ford
Ryan Gray — VP, Community Trust Wealth Management
Jesse Chula — Marketing Director, Aulick Chemical Solutions
Jason Joy — Therapist, University of Kentucky

Founder & President

Ked Frank

Devon was born and raised in Lexington, KY. In the beginning of October 2012, she and her first daughter spent roughly 6 months as residents with Refuge for Women, and it was there that her life (their life) slowly but drastically, began to change. Six years later, and she has been married for almost 4 years to her amazing husband Joshua, has three beautiful children (all girls), and works at the University of Kentucky. Her heart is to bring hope, knowledge, and awareness regarding Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation through her time with Raise the Standard.

Program director

Kendra Garey

Program director

Carrie Miller

Prevention Director

Christi Wells

I am a singer, educator, wife, and mom of four children. My childhood years were spent in Louisville, KY and North Carolina. After attaining a bachelor of science degree in Music Education, I completed an MFA in Dramatics and Speech Communication. In 2002, my education experience began with teaching college classes while receiving my MFA. I then accepted a position as the Performing Arts Director at a Christian school in Nashville, TN where I taught music, drama, speech and choir. Shortly after beginning my teaching career, I married the love of my life, Kyle Wells. We enjoyed living in Music City, but eventually moved to Lexington, KY where we achieved two dreams: Kyle became a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator and we began our family. My husband and I worked together in those early years. I became his Marketing Director and the baby and I spent many hours in the back office of our new Chick-fil-A. Even though my heart was to be a mom, God had plans for me to return to the classroom…. just in a very different way.

My paths crossed with a woman named Cindy McDaniels, who, at the time, was the Director of Assurance Pregnancy Care Center. She shared her heart for students in Lexington, KY. God was working in me through her story, and I joined the Assurance staff in 2012. Cindy and I worked together to cast the vision for the Raise the Standard program. In miraculous ways, God opened doors for us to go into the schools with truth, hope, and healing. Over the next five years, we reached over 6,000 students, presenting in every public and private high school in Fayette Co., as well as middle schools and church youth groups. With the blessing and support of Assurance, the Raise the Standard program is moving to be hosted and led by Refuge for Women. It will remain committed to the same principles of faith and practice, but will be positioned for some incredible growth opportunities.

Now with over 12 years of experience in education, I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this program at Refuge for Women and continue to educate and impact students across central Kentucky.

Raise the Standard

Devon Boykin

Graduate Assistant

Meaghan Starr

Meaghan comes from Lexington, Kentucky and graduated with her Bachelors of Public Health in May 2018. Meaghan specifically works with the Raise the Standard prevention program at Refuge for Women. Meaghan believes that every student is valuable and important. By identifying that truth, students can empower themselves to seek the best in all aspects of life, and ultimately guard themselves from anything that would try to devalue their purpose and worth. She has had the privilege to teach and mentor students throughout her college career in various leadership settings. Meaghan is current a Graduate Assistant and is working on her Masters of Public Health at EKU.