About Us
Our staff & volunteers
- Kivva Greenlee-Williams, Executive Director:
Kivva Greenlee-Williams is the founder and Executive Director of the Rhema Word Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing survival relief for women, children, and senior citizens who have suffered from abuse and neglect. Through her vision and leadership, the foundation offers critical resources, support, and advocacy to help vulnerable individuals recover, rebuild, and move forward with hope. Kivva’s dedication ensures that every person served by the Rhema Word Foundation receives compassionate care and a renewed sense of possibility.
- Byron Williams, Co-Executive Director:
Byron Williams is the Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Rhema Word Foundation, an organization committed to supporting women, children, and senior citizens as they recover from abuse and neglect. Byron works alongside the team to provide essential resources, guidance, and relief, helping survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of trauma. His leadership and compassion have been vital in fostering a safe, empowering environment where those in need can find hope and practical assistance.
- Desiree' Shine, Program Director:
Desiree' Shine is the Program Director for the Rhema Word Foundation, where she oversees initiatives that provide survival relief to women, children, and senior citizens recovering from abuse and neglect. With a focus on compassion and practical support, Desiree' ensures that each program meets the unique needs of survivors, helping them regain stability and confidence. Her dedication plays a key role in creating a safe and nurturing space for those seeking a fresh start.
- Malkeithia Dansby, Community Health Worker Coordinator:
Malkeithia Dansby serves as the Community Health Worker Coordinator for the Rhema Word Foundation. In this role, she leads outreach and support services for women, children, and senior citizens who are rebuilding their lives after abuse and neglect through health and wellness. Malkeithia is dedicated to connecting survivors with resources and compassionate care, ensuring that each person receives the help they need to heal and thrive. Her commitment strengthens the foundation’s mission to provide hope and practical relief to vulnerable members of the community.
Our history
Our History
The Rhema Word Foundation began with a simple but powerful mission: to break the cycle of abuse and neglect in the Lexington, Kentucky, area. Founded as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, we have dedicated ourselves to protecting women, older adults, and children from harm and supporting survivors as they rebuild their lives. Over the years, our commitment has only deepened, and our reach has steadily grown.
From the beginning, we understood that real change takes more than addressing immediate needs. That's why our foundation offers a range of services designed to help survivors stabilize, heal, and thrive long-term. We provide food for individuals and families facing food insecurity, distribute essential hygiene products, and offer both individual and group counseling sessions through our community partner, Wellness Within LLC. For those facing housing instability, we connect them with safe places to stay and financial assistance referrals.
Education sits at the heart of what we do. We run financial literacy courses and after-school tutoring programs, and guide women and teens through our TRUST support groups. Our work goes beyond direct aid—we’re passionate about educating our community about all forms of abuse: physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, psychological, financial, and cultural or identity-based. By raising awareness about these issues and connecting survivors with treatment, counseling, and support groups, we aim to create a network of care and understanding throughout the Commonwealth.
Our focus is on women and children affected by abuse, domestic violence, and economic hardship. To expand our impact, we are building Rhema's Refuge Crisis Center—a new rescue house that will serve as emergency and transitional housing for women and child survivors. This center will be more than just a shelter; it will be a place to reclaim hope. Survivors will find life skills training, a media and resource center, a community tranquility garden, and a clothing bank to support their journey forward.
Rhema Word Foundation’s vision is to build a better tomorrow by reshaping how survivors see themselves and their futures. As we look to expand into surrounding counties, our goal remains the same: to offer safety, support, and the chance for a new beginning to those who need it most.
Our mission
Our mission is to restore lives to a NEW normal through Love and Compassion to women, seniors, and children who are survivors of abuse or neglect.
Wellness Within
Our Partners
Building Fund for the Rhema's Refuge Crisis Center
Change a life with just $1.
The Rhema Refuge Crisis Center is calling on 1 million people to each give $1 to reach our $1 million goal. Every dollar goes to building a safe haven for women and children escaping domestic violence, and for women and seniors grieving loss.
Your $1 joins a movement—proof that no one should face crisis alone. Small gifts, together, create a place to heal and rebuild.
Share our mission. Spread the word. Give $1. Help us build Rhema's Refuge.