The Rhema Word Foundation is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in the Lexington, Kentucky, area committed to the prevention of abuse against women, older adults, and child abandonment throughout our community. We aspire to spread our wings to surrounding areas and communities soon to expand our resources to counties that need our services. The Rhema Word Foundation provides various services to the community, such as food for individuals and families facing food insecurity, hygiene products, individual and group counseling sessions, housing, and financial assistance referrals, in addition to financial literacy courses, after-school tutoring, college, and financial aid application assistance. Among a wealth of community resources, we are also passionate about educating the community about the various types of abuse (physical, sexual, verbal/emotional, mental/ psychological, financial/ economic, cultural/identity, while raising awareness about treatment and counseling services and support groups available to survivors in the Commonwealth. The Rhema Word Foundation serves women and children affected by abuse, domestic violence, and economic disadvantage, so we have new rescue house called Rhema's Refuge. The center will act as emergency housing and a traditional home for women and child survivors of abuse. Our vision is to build a better tomorrow by reshaping how survivors see themselves in society. The crisis center will house life skills training, a media and resource center, a community tranquility garden, and a success chest clothing bank. Our transitional housing will provide survivors with a safe and healthy environment in which to heal and recover.
Domestic violence is a non-discriminatory issue. It affects all people regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. It affects children, our friends, and even our pets. People who abuse will use everything they can to gain power or control over their partner.
Retreat from friends or usual activities.
Behavioral changes (such as aggression, anger, hostility, or hyperactivity) or changes in school performance Depression, anxiety, unusual fears, or sudden loss of self-confidence.
An apparent lack of supervision.
Frequent absences from school.
Black men experience domestic violence at higher rates than other communities. In fact, 45.1% of Black women experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking from their intimate partner, while 40.1 % of Black men experienced those abuses. On average, 1 in 3 women experience domestic violence (33.3%) and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence (25%), showing that African Americans are disproportionately affected by this issue.
When a person is dependent on their partner for any care, there may be an additional risk of abuse due to an imbalance of power. People with disabilities often experience higher rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse, and the impact of abuse can compound disability.
When abusive partners are also caregivers, they may try to gain control in a variety of ways:
A mandated reporter is one who is required by law to report reasonable suspicion of abuse. When should I make a report? Most state laws state that a report must be made when there is reason to believe that a child has been abused, is being abused, or is in danger of being abused.
In other words, it is all of our responsibility to report child abuse, domestic violence, elder/elder abuse and neglect.
Child/Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-877-597-2331
Asking for help is one of the hardest things for most people because it's often perceived as a weakness. Frontline first responders, such as police and firefighters, know their duty is to run toward the explosion, while others flee. Parents know that they put their own interests and needs behind their children. It's often the strongest and most helpful among us who have the most trouble asking for help.
Reach out so we can extend a helping hand!
Are you living with a chronic illness, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, etc., or would you like to introduce a better quality of life into your health and wellness equation? Or maybe you need assistance with applying for WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, etc. We are here to extend a helping hand. Reach out to one of our Community Health Workers to get started on your new and healthier life!
WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING HEALTH INSURANCE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES!
Rhema’s Refuge Crisis House for Women and Children is now open and ready to help women who have been displaced due to domestic violence.
We are still working on our Women with Children unit, which is expected to be completed by November 2026. When finished, it will provide a safe, supportive environment for women and children who are survivors of abuse, helping them regain stability, rebuild independence, and re-acclimate back into society.
The Crisis House also serves as a transitional home for mothers impacted by domestic violence. Residents will have access to individual counseling sessions, support groups, and temporary housing. In addition, we will offer life skills classes, financial literacy, job readiness, health and wellness, and self-defense training.
Since the passing of Byron and Kivva’s daughter, Rhemie, they have dedicated their lives as advocates against child abuse. Their mission is driven by the deep hurt and devastation they experienced and their commitment to preventing other families from going through similar loss.
Rhema’s Refuge exists to help survivors recover from trauma and cope with sudden death through empathy and compassion.
The Rhema Word Foundation is focused on becoming a household name in the local community for critical resources, and we need your support to continue advancing this mission.
Thank you for your kind generosity.
Our goal is to be fully up and running by the end of 2026, and we would be grateful for your help.
Aramah P. Greenlee- Williams (aka) Ramie
May 29, 2002 - June 29, 2004
Daughter of Byron and Kivva
We are so excited you have chosen to become a guardian angel by setting up a recurring monthly donation to help promote our cause to STOP domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse by sponsoring or donating to our women and children crisis center.
Our amazing team of directors, community health workers (CHWs), regulars, and part-time volunteers are committed to helping others. We take our convictions and turn them into action.
Think you would be a good fit? Click the button below for more information!
In 2004, Kivva and Byron were victims of a horrific tragedy that resulted in the loss of their daughter Aramah (Pronounced: A-Rhema), her nickname was Rhemy. It was during that time, unfortunately, they discovered there were no resources available in their community to help survivors cope with such devastating losses to child abuse and u
In 2004, Kivva and Byron were victims of a horrific tragedy that resulted in the loss of their daughter Aramah (Pronounced: A-Rhema), her nickname was Rhemy. It was during that time, unfortunately, they discovered there were no resources available in their community to help survivors cope with such devastating losses to child abuse and untimely deaths. Because of this, Kivva and her husband Byron decided to join forces in an attempt to remedy this problem. They are dedicated to changing what the "after-effects" of tragedy look like.
We focus on making the maximum positive effort to bring survival relief concerning physical, sexual, verbal, and mental abuse to our children, seniors, and women. Our directors and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using empathy and kindness, we provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference in our commun
We focus on making the maximum positive effort to bring survival relief concerning physical, sexual, verbal, and mental abuse to our children, seniors, and women. Our directors and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using empathy and kindness, we provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference in our community. Our mission is to restore lives to a NEW normal through love and compassion.
Ten Dollars, Big Hope: Build a Home with Rhema's Refuge Crisis House
A small, everyday item can light up a family’s next chapter. We’re launching a $10 fund to provide essential household items for families seeking safety and stability at Rhema's Refuge Crisis House. With just $10, you can help furnish a room, stock a kitchen with basics, or supply essential toiletries for someone rebuilding their life.
Safe shelter is just the start: many families arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Your $10 helps us equip them with the fundamentals to regain dignity and independence.