About Us

Our agency expanded its services to include a non-residential population. Sanctuary started a support group for victims/survivors, became a stronger presence offering legal advocacy in district court, and began to provide public education in schools and civic groups.

An increased demand for shelter and staff led Sanctuary’s board of directors to move the agency to a larger twenty bed facility. That same year, Sanctuary further expanded its services by opening its first outreach office in Hopkins County.

Sanctuary became a multi-purpose agency with the advent of a job-training program for homeless victims of domestic violence.

Sanctuary accepted the challenge to provide crisis intervention services to victims of rape and sexual assault. Sanctuary’s Rape Crisis Center was opened in September of that year after Kentucky’s General Assembly appropriated $100,000 to provide the rape program.  The addition of the rape program resulted in the expansion of crisis line services, information/referral services, public education services and individual/group/family counseling services. In addition, the agency added therapy services, consultation services, medical advocacy and an organized volunteer program.

Rape crisis services were expanded to the 8 counties of the Pennyrile region, and a master’s level staff member began to provide support/therapy services in those counties. Outreach services continue to include medical advocacy, legal advocacy, case management, information/referrals, counseling, and weekly support groups.

Sanctuary began renovation of a downtown hotel in Hopkinsville.

Sanctuary opened its new facility and expanded program services to include six transitional housing units,  one handicap unit, two individual occupancy units, two two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit.

Sanctuary added five permanent housing units.

Established Pet Protection Program. This program helps alleviate barriers to leaving an abusive environment. Fear for a beloved pet’s safety can be a barrier to leaving an unsafe situation. Sanctuary, Inc. is here to help — you don’t have to leave your pets behind. Through our Pet Protection Services, we offer: Emergency shelter for pets and safe relocation options

In 2020, Sanctuary, Inc. unveiled its on-site therapy garden. Sanctuary’s therapy garden provides a peaceful and supportive place for people with a wide range of abilities to interact with nature and enhance their wellbeing. The garden is utilized in a variety of ways to promote mindfulness, healing, resiliency, support, and growth

Sanctuary’s Spiritual Enrichment Program was launched in 2020. This program and space provide a safe place for healing and growth, specifically designed to assist victims and survivors of abuse. The program offers a place of hope where people can encounter their inner spiritual power that gives them strength, courage, and determination to begin their journey to healing and stability.

Celebrated 40 years of serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse across the 9-counties of the Pennyrile Region.

In 2023, Sanctuary opened its on-site SAFE Room. The SAFE Room offers survivors a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). This is a specialized medical exam provided to survivors of sexual assault. It’s performed by a trained professional called a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) in a safe, private, and trauma-informed environment. SAFE exams are important because they: Address urgent medical needs, Collect potential forensic evidence, Provide compassionate, survivor-centered care, and Give

Empowered to Work Closet opened to clients in need of professional clothing and empowerment to reach their career goals. The Empowered to Work Closet provides free and confidential access to professional clothing, including suits, blouses, dresses, shoes, and accessories, for individuals overcoming abuse and seeking to re-establish financial independence. Each recipient also receives styling assistance and optional resume coaching through the Empowered to Work Closet initiative.