Phyllis Abbott, Founder & Executive Director of the Board

Lady Veterans Connect is an organization created to provide high quality, comprehensive services to assist female veterans in transitional support and prevent homelessness. Founded in 2012 under the name Sheppards Hands by Phyllis Abbott, LVC was officially renamed in 2016 and opened the first transitional healing home, the Thurman-Abbott House, for female veterans in Kentucky. Since then, LVC has connected over 500 lady veterans in Kentucky with needed resources, and not a single night has passed without occupancy in the Thurman-Abbott House. As of 2019, Lady Veterans Connect board members and volunteers logged over 28,000 hours serving veterans. LVC has purchased and has currently completed renovations on a previous an elementary school in Winchester, KY to house 32 female veterans.

2021 Tax Documents 2020 Tax Documents 2019 Tax Documents 2018 Tax Documents

Board Members

Phyllis Abbott
Executive Director
James Rogers
Director & Secretary
Josie Jones
Director & Treasurer
Addie Mattox
Director

June Helligrath
Director
Denotra Gunther
Director

Tina Smith
Director

Elizabeth-Helms-Frazier
Director

The former Trapp Elementary School in Winchester, KY was dedicated on June 12, 2021 and renamed Anna's House. The facility will be able to house up to 32 female veterans. Play host to social events such as yard sales, car shows, holiday meals, overnight workshops and retreats that provide comradery along with hope and healing.

Advisory Board

Phyllis Abbott

John Shotwell

April Walters

Karen Weaver

Steve Brown

Phoebe Driner

Timothy Aven

Cynthia Barnes

Our Core Values

  1. Honesty, Integrity and Transparency: First and foremost, we will always strive to do what is right for our veterans and to ensure their best interests are at the forefront.
  2. Respect: Women veterans are unique and we must recognize the special sacrifice they have made in service to our country. Each resident in Lady Veteran Connect's program will be served with respect and dignity.
  3. Excellence: LVC strives to attain the highest level of care and service while caring for our women veterans. They will be served with compassion, competence, and commitment to ensure their success in LVC's program.
  4. Team: We recognize that to accomplish these values will require teamwork, communication, and cooperation by the volunteers, staff, and partners.

Our Vision

​LVC is an advocate for all women veterans, educating local communities about the issues women veterans are facing and creating a space for them to identify as veterans and be honored and recognized for their service.


Lady Veterans Connect (LVC) is committed to providing a home where women veterans can heal from the trauma in their lives created by homelessness, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and military sexual trauma (MST). As these traumas can affect all areas of a woman veteran’s life, LVC provides the opportunity and environment where she can address her unique situation. Additionally, LVC facilitates access to all services and resources available to women veterans and fosters helpful relationships and connections.