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

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:  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

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

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.

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
Program director
Program director
Prevention Director
Consultant
Graduate Assistant
Founder & President

Founder & President

Ked Frank

Ked is the Founder/President of Refuge for Women. Ked is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Liberty University with a degree in Professional Counseling. Ked spent two and a half years working in a men’s recovery facility in southern Ohio before serving on staff at Southland Christian Church. He has been married to Michelle for 20 years and has two children, Nathaniel and Julianna.

Program director

Program director

Kendra Garey

Kendra Garey was born and raised in a small town in Kentucky. She graduated from the state university with a degree in social work. Striving for professional growth, Kendra gained extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, providing support to victims of violence and trauma. Her dedication and gift for communication led her to work at Refuge for Women, where she currently serves as the Program Director. In her free time, Kendra enjoys spending time with her family of three children and remains actively involved in her community’s public life.

Program director

Program director

Carrie Miller

Carrie Miller hails from a bustling city in Texas, where she cultivated her passion for community service and advocacy. Graduating from a prestigious university with a degree in psychology, Carrie embarked on a journey of supporting marginalized communities. With a rich background in nonprofit work, particularly in empowering survivors of domestic abuse, Carrie found her calling as the Program Director at Refuge for Women. Her innate empathy and leadership skills have been instrumental in guiding the organization towards its mission. Outside of work, Carrie enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Prevention Director

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.

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Consultant

Consultant

Devon Boykin

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.

Graduate Assistant

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.

OUR HELP

Welcome to the Central Kentuki Refuge for Women, where survivors unite to find strength and support. Here, you’ll find a diverse community of individuals who share their experiences, offer guidance, and uplift each other. Engage in our discussions where you can share your story, seek advice, or lend support to others

Our resources section provides valuable tools, information, and inspiration to aid you on your journey towards healing and empowerment. Whether you’re seeking solidarity, guidance, or simply a listening ear, you’ll find it here among fellow survivors who understand. Join us on the Connect and be part of our empowering network dedicated to healing, growth, and resilience

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Need help?

Need help?
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Volunteer

Volunteer
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Internships

Internships
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Employment opportunities

Employment opportunities
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Book us

Book us
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Team Refuge

Team Refuge

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 

Carrie Miller talks about the need for women who have suffered violence

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

EVENTS

Activities for women victims of violence

The events organized by Refuge for Women are aimed at supporting and empowering women who have experienced violence. We offer a variety of programs, including group sessions, therapeutic activities, and educational events, to create a safe space for support, interaction, and healing. Our goal is to help women rebuild their lives, regain strength, and find new opportunities for a brighter future.

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Shellena’s story

The story of Shellena's life and her coming to God

My name is Shellena. I had a tough upbringing in Jersey City, raised by my grandmother after my mother left me with relatives. Mom struggled with addiction and eventually passed away from AIDS. Despite the challenges, I graduated high school and college with honors.

However, life took a dark turn when I endured a 12-year abusive relationship, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual violence. I turned to drugs and ended up homeless in Atlanta, selling my body for survival.

One day, in a moment of desperation, I called on God for help. I found a glimmer of hope in a business card for “Out of Darkness,” leading me to Refuge for Women in Kentucky. Since then, I’ve surrendered to God, was baptized, and found freedom.

Now, I’m transformed. I’ve quit smoking, ran a half marathon, and found purpose in serving God. I’ve built a supportive community and embrace a life centered on faith, recovery, and helping others find hope in God.

Shellena’s history and life path