OUR 2021-22 IMPACT REPORT IS HERE!
Our mission is to support survivors, strengthen families, and empower communities. At Lotus, we see the goal of recovery as not only surviving trauma, but also opening up to the possibilities of hope, healing, and growth. Committed to ending child abuse and sexual violence, we are working to cultivate a collective, unified community that meets survivors with compassion and a culture that simply does not tolerate interpersonal violence.
“My trauma doesn’t feel like it is always there anymore.
I feel like I am in a good place.”—Survivor
In 1984, Western Baptist emergency room nurses recognized a need. Soon after, Western Baptist launched a 24-hour helpline, and the first volunteer advocates in the Purchase Area were trained to support sexual assault victims. Today, our Lotus team of skilled professionals works alongside hundreds of volunteers and community partners to achieve our mission. We support survivors, children, and families from the first moment of immediate need through long-term recovery. We strengthen families by partnering with parents and caregivers to build protective factors so that children thrive. We inform, educate, and empower communities to respond to, and prevent, child abuse and sexual violence.
View our Impact Report to learn more about our mission, to hear from survivors, families, and partners, and to join us as we reflect on 2021-22.
In 2021-22, Lotus created opportunities for nearly 1,300 survivors, children, and supportive family members to hope, heal, and grow.
Lotus so perfectly symbolizes the exceptional courage, strength, and resilience of survivors. We see the goal of recovery as not only surviving trauma but also opening up to the possibilities of hope, healing, and growth. And like the lotus flower, under the right conditions, the possibilities for growth are limitless.
NEW ON OUR BLOG
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs): The Importance of Sexual Violence First Responders
“We know that first responders have a profound impact on the way a person will heal from sexual violence,” says Amberly Haverstock, director of specialized services at Lotus. “The specialized training and experience of our SANEs offer victims compassionate care and comprehensive forensic evidence collection.” Read more.
How to Respond When a Loved One Shares Their Story
When a survivor discloses that they have been sexually assaulted, it can be difficult for both the survivor and the person they disclose to. If a loved one shares their story with you, you may not know what to say or how to react. The best thing you can do is to start by believing them! Read more.
Trauma and How It Impacts the Brain
Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical impacts on a survivor. Understanding how trauma impacts the brain can help survivors understand their own responses to trauma and have more knowledge about what they are experiencing. Read more.
SUPPORT SURVIVORS, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES ON GIVING TUESDAY THIS YEAR
Giving Tuesday is November 30. Will you consider making a donation to Lotus this year? As your designated children’s advocacy and sexual violence resource center serving the Purchase Area of Kentucky, Lotus provides forensic services, family, personal, and legal advocacy, therapy, and restorative services to survivors, children, and families. Support from people like you helps us provide these services at no cost! Add our Giving Tuesday event to your calendar as a helpful reminder.
DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING
SUPPORT SURVIVORS
Honoring Active and Veteran Survivors of Sexual Misconduct
Veteran’s Day is just one of the opportunities throughout the year to recognize the people who have and are serving the United States Armed Forces. RALIANCE believes Veteran’s Day is also a good time to reflect on how the military has and can better serve its members who sacrifice so much for the country—particularly when it comes to supporting and helping survivors of sexual assault with their healing journeys. Read more.
Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) Conference to End Sexual Violence
November 30 – December 2, 2022 | Lexington, KY
The KASAP Conference to End Sexual Violence is where people in the anti-sexual violence movement, community partners, and survivors come to learn, network, heal, and share. This year’s conference theme is “Finding the Balance Between our Foundation and Future.” Register online.
STRENGTHEN FAMILIES
Center for the Study of Social Policy: Virtual Introduction to Youth Thrive
November 15, 2022 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. CST | Virtual
In this training, attendees will learn about the Youth Thrive Framework and how it can promote healing, supportive relationships, and positive growth using the 5 Protective and Promotive Factors. Participants should be youth and young adults (ages 9-26 years old) with lived experience interested in learning about Youth Thrive. Register online or share with youth in your circles!
Center for the Study of Social Policy: Virtual Overview of Youth Thrive
November 17, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. CST | Virtual
In this training, attendees will learn about the Youth Thrive Framework and how it can promote healing, supportive relationships, and positive growth using the 5 Protective and Promotive Factors. Participants should be leaders, managers, and supervisors who can implement Youth Thrive strategies within their agencies, organizations, and partnerships including young adult leaders and advocates. Register online or share with your professional network!
EMPOWER COMMUNITIES
Vote! Vote! Vote!
November 8, 2022 | Election Day
Each of us has the opportunity to make the everyday choices reflected in our attitudes, words, and behaviors which promote safety and communicate intolerance for violence. Voting is one way you can use your voice to advocate for survivors, children, and families. Visit govoteky.com to find polling locations, view a sample ballot, and find more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mondays (ongoing): Survivor Led Support Group @ 6:00 p.m. CST
Hosted by Lotus, Ampersand, and Hope Harbor | Virtual
Saturday, November 19: Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® Child Abuse Prevention Training @ 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. CST
Hosted by Lotus | 1605 North Friendship Road, Paducah
Childcare and refreshments provided!
