Sanctuary Inc Announces April Awareness Events, Plans for Future Shelter

The nonprofit is hosting a series of events for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month while also sharing progress on a new shelter location.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 7:39am

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Sanctuary Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves survivors of sexual violence in western Kentucky, is inviting the public to take part in a series of April events for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The organization is also sharing progress on plans to relocate its emergency shelter to a new site aimed at improving safety, privacy, and healing environments for clients.

Why it matters

Sanctuary Inc. serves more than 100 survivors and their children each year across a nine-county region. The organization's awareness campaign and plans for a new shelter facility are rooted in the experiences of those they serve, highlighting the ongoing need for support and resources for survivors of sexual violence in the community.

The details

Throughout April, Sanctuary will host a variety of community events aimed at raising awareness and encouraging involvement, including Wear Teal Day, the 'What Were You Wearing' exhibit, screenings of the documentary 'To Kill a Tiger,' Chalk the Walk, Denim Day, and the Thin Blue Run fundraiser. The month will conclude with a visit from survivor and advocate Elizabeth Smart. Alongside the awareness efforts, Sanctuary is moving forward with plans to relocate its emergency shelter to a new site that will feature apartment-style living spaces for families, designated child-focused areas, increased green space, enhanced security features, and a sexual assault forensic exam room.

  • Wear Teal Day is on April 1, part of a national campaign encouraging people to wear teal to show support for survivors.
  • The 'What Were You Wearing' exhibit will be displayed at Hopkinsville Community College and Madisonville Community College.
  • Screenings of the documentary 'To Kill a Tiger' will explore a family's pursuit of justice.
  • The Thin Blue Run fundraiser will be held in partnership with local law enforcement.
  • Elizabeth Smart, a survivor and advocate, will visit the community at the end of April.

The players

Sanctuary Inc.

A nonprofit organization that serves survivors of sexual violence in western Kentucky.

Heather Lancaster

The executive director of Sanctuary Inc.

Elizabeth Smart

A survivor and advocate who will visit the community at the end of April.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Construction on the new Sanctuary Inc. shelter is expected to begin as early as next year, with the total project estimated between $4 million and $5 million.

The takeaway

Sanctuary Inc.'s awareness campaign and plans for a new shelter facility highlight the ongoing need for support and resources for survivors of sexual violence in the community, and the organization's commitment to providing a safe and healing environment for those they serve.