WPSARDC-Bluegrass Division

10/15/2026

𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗗𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗩𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗜𝗦 𝗔 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘.

Let's talk about Kentucky.

According to Kentucky's 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report:

- 33,786 domestic or dating violence reports documented by law enforcement.
- 8,301 arrests.
- 19,481 crisis and hotline calls to regional domestic violence programs.

𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗞 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟.

The person sitting next to you at work. The neighbor who always smiles. The friend who keeps canceling plans. The man who thinks nobody will believe him. The woman who is terrified of what will happen if she leaves.

Domestic abuse doesn't always leave bruises. Sometimes it leaves someone afraid to speak, afraid to leave, or afraid to simply be themselves.

𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦𝗡'𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘.

HELP IS AVAILABLE.

GreenHouse17 (Central Kentucky)
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 800-544-2022
Website: https://greenhouse17.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800-799-7233
Text START to 88788

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗕𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗢𝗡𝗘'𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘.

Western Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Development Center participates in cell phone collection efforts to help provide communication resources for survivors of domestic violence and others in need.

If you have an old cell phone sitting in a drawer, consider donating it. Having access to a phone can mean being able to reach a shelter, contact family, or call for help.

For information about donating a phone in the Lexington area, call or text 859-467-8046.

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST. You never know who may need these resources, and sharing them could help someone find the support, safety, and independence they deserve.

Safety. Shelter. Advocacy. Support. We are available every hour of the day, every day of the year, to support survivors of intimate partner abuse. 24-Hour Hotline: 800-544-2022

10/15/2026

𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 (noun)
The exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for forced labor, services, or commercial s*x. When a minor is involved in commercial s*x, force, fraud, or coercion is not required for it to be considered human trafficking.

LET'S TALK ABOUT KENTUCKY.

Human trafficking isn't just happening in major cities or somewhere far away. It's happening right here in the Commonwealth.

Since the National Human Trafficking Hotline began in 2007, 1,353 cases involving 2,935 identified victims have been documented in Kentucky. In 2025 alone, 128 cases involving 184 victims were identified through the hotline.

These numbers only reflect cases identified through the hotline, not every instance of human trafficking.

𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧.

Traffickers may believe they can blend into everyday life without anyone noticing. Sometimes they do. Until someone recognizes the warning signs.

Think about Keeneland's Fall Meet, with thousands of visitors coming to Lexington. UK football games, with packed stadiums and tailgating crowds. Truck stops, where travelers come and go at all hours.

These are places where knowing what to look for could make a difference.

THAT'S WHY MATTERS.

offers free online training to help everyday people recognize potential signs of human trafficking and learn how to respond safely.

You don't have to be a police officer or first responder to make a difference.

Traffickers may be counting on people not noticing. Let's give them a reason to think otherwise.

Take the free training at www.iamonwatch.org.

Source: National Human Trafficking Hotline — Kentucky Statistics
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/statistics/kentucky

10/14/2026

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗬𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗣? 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗢!

The Graveyard Gallop 5K is creeping closer, and so is our next price increase!

PRICES INCREASE TOMORROW, OCTOBER 15, AT 11:59 PM!

Don't let a higher registration fee come back to haunt you!

Join us for the Graveyard Gallop 5K on Friday, October 30, at 6 PM at Coldstream Park in Lexington!

Runners, walkers, and four-legged friends are welcome! Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

REGISTER HERE:
https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Lexington/GraveyardGallop5KRunWalk

Register now, save $5, and we'll see you at the starting line!

The Graveyard Gallop 5K is on Friday October 30, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K Run/Walk, Virtual Runner/Walker, and Race Volunteer.

10/09/2026

WE'RE COMING BACK TO CENTRE MEADOWS!

The WPSARDC – Bluegrass Division Food Market is returning to Centre Meadows Apartments, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone again!

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Centre Meadows Apartments
1333 Centre Parkway
Lexington, KY 40517

If you joined us last month, we'll be set up in the same parking lot!

Our Food Market is open to anyone in need, at no cost. We'll have nonperishable food, household essentials, pet food, and other donated items available while supplies last.

Stop by, browse our tables, and choose the items that best fit your household's needs. Whether you're a familiar face or visiting for the first time, everyone is welcome!

Bringing resources to the community instead of asking the community to find the resources.

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST! Help us spread the word throughout Lexington so more of our neighbors know about the Food Market. We look forward to seeing you!

10/08/2026

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we want to make sure our community knows that help is available right here in Lexington.

Domestic violence doesn't always leave visible bruises. Sometimes it's fear, intimidation, isolation, control, or constantly walking on eggshells in your own home.

No one should have to live in fear, and no one should have to face these situations alone.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽, 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻.

𝗟𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝟭𝟳 – 𝟮𝟰/𝟳 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲
800-544-2022
Emergency shelter, safety planning, and confidential support.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘀𝘁 – 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 & 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀
859-259-1974
Counseling, advocacy, and family support.

𝗔𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿
800-656-4673
24/7 crisis support for survivors of s*xual violence.

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗩𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘

Call: 800-799-7233
Text: START to 88788
www.thehotline.org

𝗜𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿? 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟵𝟭𝟭.

Sometimes the first step toward safety is simply knowing where to turn.

You may never need these resources yourself, but someone in our community might.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁.

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

10/07/2026

PUT THIS ONE ON THE CALENDAR.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we couldn't let the month go by without recognizing something that has affected so many people, families and communities.
So we're taking a moment to share a simple reminder:
Make the appointment.
Get the mammogram.
Know what is normal for your body.
Don't ignore something that has changed.
It's easy to get busy. It's easy to say you'll schedule it later.
Your health deserves a place on the calendar, too.
And to those who have been diagnosed, gone through treatment, are celebrating being cancer-free, or are remembering someone who didn't get that chance — we recognize you this October.

10/07/2026

ONE ITEM. THAT’S IT. THAT’S ENOUGH TO HELP.

Our Bluegrass Division Online Food Drive is still going, and you don’t have to fill a cart to make a difference.

Our Amazon list includes single items AND bulk options, so you can choose what works for you. Canned meat, vegetables, shelf-stable milk and other everyday staples are on the list — and everything you purchase is shipped directly to the Bluegrass Division.

One can becomes part of a bag.
One box helps stock a table.
A bunch of people choosing just one item can help us fill an entire Food Market.

We bring these supplies directly into Lexington communities and make them available at no cost to people who need them.

Take a look at the list and choose what works for you:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1VRFHW6SN1GWJ?ref_=wl_share

Can’t purchase right now? Sharing this post helps too.

One item. One share. One community helping another.

10/07/2026

Testing the outdoor warning systems today at 10am.

Lexington Emergency Management will test its network of outdoor warning sirens TODAY, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10 a.m.

If you live near a park or golf course, expect to hear the outdoor siren sound a series of chimes followed by a voice announcement, “This is a test.”

This is a regularly scheduled test - THERE IS NO EMERGENCY - THIS IS FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY. Please do not call 9-1-1 about the siren test.

Remember: Lexington’s outdoor siren system is designed to alert people who are outdoors. The siren system is not intended to alert people inside homes, apartments, or office buildings.

More information about the Lexington Warning Siren System is available at https://bit.ly/48jWDgd

10/07/2026

YOUR FRIDAY NIGHT PLANS JUST GOT A LITTLE SPOOKIER.

The Graveyard Gallop 5K is coming to Coldstream Park on Friday, October 30 at 6 PM!

Run it. Walk it. Bring your dog. Dress up if you want. Just come out and spend a fall evening with us while supporting the work of the WPSARDC Bluegrass Division.

Your registration helps us continue bringing food, household supplies, pet food and other needed resources directly into Lexington communities.

Not in Lexington? There’s a virtual option, too — and we’ll mail your shirt to you!

Friday, October 30 | 6 PM
Coldstream Park
5K Run/Walk
Dogs welcome!

Register here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Lexington/GraveyardGallop5KRunWalk

Grab a friend, grab the leash, and come spend Halloween weekend doing something good for our community.

We hope to see you at the starting line!

Please share and help us get the word out!

The Graveyard Gallop 5K is on Friday October 30, 2026. It includes the following events: 5K Run/Walk, Virtual Runner/Walker, and Race Volunteer.

10/06/2026

We hope everyone enjoyed opening weekend at Keeneland!

October in Lexington means races, events, visitors and plenty of crowded places. While you’re out enjoying everything our city has to offer, we also want to encourage you to be aware of the people and situations around you.

Human trafficking doesn’t always look the way we think it does. Knowing the signs can make a difference.

OnWatch™ offers FREE training that teaches you how to recognize, report and help prevent s*x trafficking.

It takes about an hour, it’s online, and it could give you the knowledge to recognize when someone needs help.

Learn more and take the free training:
https://iamonwatch.org/

Enjoy the races. Enjoy our city. And take a little time to learn what to look for — because noticing something can matter.