About Us
Barren River Area Safe Space, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and their children escape their situations and live better lives. Our mission is to provide emergency shelter, support services, and educational programs for those affected by intimate partner violence in the BRADD region. We are committed to offering a safe space and advocacy programs to empower survivors and help them rebuild their lives.
Our Mission
We provide safety and support to victims of domestic violence and their children and empower them with opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency. We educate our community about domestic violence to help identify and spark change, and we advocate to protect the rights of individuals so everyone in our community can be free from abuse.
We want to live in a community where patterns of abuse are broken and stigmas are gone -- a place where society is supportive of survivors, every person matters, homes are free from abuse, and healthy relationships thrive.
Our Journey
Founded in 1980, Barren River Area Safe Space, Inc. (BRASS, Inc.) began as a community-driven effort to address the urgent need for safety and support for victims of domestic violence. Over the years, we have grown into a crucial resource for the BRADD region, offering comprehensive services and support.
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Today, our 30-bed shelter provides a safe haven for victims, complete with on-site amenities such as a laundry room, children’s playroom, and offices for housing programs, outreach services, and administration. The Economic Justice Institute serves as a community hub, providing group support services, meeting space, and computer access for our clients.
Our Impact
Through our dedicated efforts, we have made a significant impact in the community. Last year, we sheltered 406 victims of domestic violence, with a consistent annual increase of about 3% over the past three years. Our Outreach and Advocacy programs are extensive, with Advocates supporting victims through the court process and conducting local assessments in each county of our Area Development District (ADD). With satellite offices in three counties, we serve nearly 3,000 victims each year, making us one of the largest programs among the 15 sister shelters in Kentucky based on the number of victims and survivors served annually.
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Our story is one of growth, dedication, and unwavering support for our community. From our beginnings in 1980 to becoming a vital resource in the BRADD region, we continue to strive toward creating a safer, more informed, and empowered society.
At Barren River Area Safe Space, Inc., we believe in the inherent strength of every individual. We are dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence to embrace their true selves, define their own futures, and positively impact the world around them.