2539 West Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40212, United States
Executive Director Amy Leenerts
Sexually abused for the first time as a young child, Amy Leenerts was led to believe that it was her fault and that she was to blame for what happened to her. "That set off something in my mind," she says. "Whenever something negative happened to me, it was my fault."
Abuse followed her throughout childhood, including a traumatic rape at 19 years old. Leenerts always felt "marked," as though something inherently evil in her allowed abusers to find her. It was years before she gave up her rights to being a victim and became a Survivor determined to live a healthy, restored life.
Her perspective widened, and she began to notice others who suffered the effects of sexual abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Now, Leenerts devotes her energy to finding new approaches to prevent human trafficking and other sex crimes against women and children throughout our state and, ultimately, to help victims begin their journey toward health and wholeness.
In 2013 Amy founded Free2Hope Inc., a non-profit devoted to Educating groups, Exposing human trafficking through outreach, Equipping local businesses, and Enabling a safe place through a Women's Drop-in Center located in Portland. Her long-term goals are to establish a safe house outside of the city for women that have been victimized by sexual crimes women. On the way to that dream, she has garnered several awards, including:
- 2015 - Human Rights Award from United Nations Association KY
- 2015 - The Liberator Award from Kentucky Rescue and Restore
- 2016 - The Voices for Victims Award from IN Attorney General
- 2017 - Innovative Program Award - K.A.S.A.P.
- 2017- Nominated to the Survivor Council of Kentucky
- 2018 - Advocacy Award from the United Nations Association KY
- 2019 - Transition Team for the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
- 2020 - Kentucky Colonel
- 2021 - Serves on the Crime Victims Compensation Board of Kentucky
Keiona Whitehead
PEER SUPPORT
Keiona became involved with Free2Hope 2 years ago when she sought treatment for her substance use disorder and needed resources for her personal experiences with violence and trauma. While she had a long and arduous battle with the disease of addiction, Keiona overcame her substance use disorder by attending Karen's Place Maternity Center. After recovery and healing, Keiona became a peer support at Karen's Maternity Place, where she achieved certificates in the Master Studies Program of Addiction Recovery Care. After moving back to Louisville, she got back into contact with Amy, expressing her ambition to help those in the community. A few weeks later, Keiona joined the Free2Hope team as a peer support, where she would help women who struggle with similar issues she has experienced, such as substance use disorder, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. She states that Free2Hope has been a blessing and a platform for healing and changing lives. She is now working towards professional development by attending Southern New Hampshire University for a Bachelor's in Psychology and Counseling and working to be a state-qualified Adult Peer Specialist.
AMBER LYNAE BROWN
ADVOCATE SUPPORT
I have been a resident of Portland, KY, for nine years. My boyfriend, Franklin, and I live in the Portland area. I have two beautiful daughters, ages 10 and 15. My work experience has been vast, but I treasure my service experience with Hosea House and New Life Direction Ministries. I worked for Hosea House for a year. Hosea House allowed me to serve people in need in a direct way because I lived there from 2013 – 2014. Then I was honored to work there from 2014–2015. I used the example of what I learned by living there by having the opportunity to mentor women and children. I was taught through Christ anything is possible. My next work experience was New Life Directions Ministry. I was grateful to be able to convey my life experience through speaking engagements for about a year until I had to move to another town. These two experiences allowed me to use my passion to help and encourage others. My favorite quote reflects my life: “There is always a rainbow after the storm.”