Kit Evans-Ford

Davenport, Iowa

Bringing hope to survivors

As the granddaughter of a domestic violence survivor and as a sexual assault survivor herself, Dr. Kit Evans Ford finds her passion for her work in her family’s story. Evans- Ford is the Founder of Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope in Davenport, Iowa, a refuge and center that provides free holistic services for female survivors of violence. Named after her grandmother, the center offers counseling, in-person support groups, and employment at a living wage for women who

The face of Evans- Ford’s grandmother is the on the logo of Argrow’s House. Her grandmother was married at 14 to a 27 year old man who was very abusive. “Growing up I saw the scars on my grandmother, and the intense reality of abuse, and saw how violence impacted generations after my grandmother -  my mom, with my siblings, and others. If there had been a place like Argrow’s house, at the time for my grandmother, and even my older sisters, and my mom, they may not have had to live the majority of their life in abusive situations.”

Dr. Ford began the center in her house, creating soaps and bath products in her kitchen. Argrow’s House has now moved to a renovated building with a store front, industrial kitchen and production room, as well as rooms for counseling and for groups. The building also functions as a community center with basketball, ping pong, and computers for community use.  A separate facility is used as a residential option for those in need of a safe space.

To support the services, the center sells soap, body lotions and bath bombs. They offer a subscription box called the Hope Box which goes out once a month offering two bath and body products.  They also partner with local spas in area casinos and other nail salons who use Argrow products and sell them. Products can also be found in gift shops around the area.

Argrow’s House is part of the Global Share Trade Council for Thistle Farms and a network of about 36 sister organizations around the world. 

Argrow’s House offers long term support for women struggling to recover from violence. “We work with families for the long haul, in solidarity with them, letting them know that we love them and care for them. We’re a community. It’s not something you’re in for 21 days and then out. If we don’t have the resources, we work to connect them with others in the community and partner with other agencies. Healing is a journey, not something that just happens overnight.”

About Kit Evans-Ford:

Born in Mebane, North Carolina, education was important for Evan-Ford.  She holds a BA in Communications Studies, a MA in Teaching: Special Education, MA in Social Justice and Community Development, MDiv degree and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Spiritual Direction from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Dr. Kit Evans-Ford is a Teach for America and United States Peace Corps Alumni.  She has studied, worked, and served in England, Japan, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Evans-Ford is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Theology at St. Ambrose University. She is the author of 101 Testimonies of Hope: Life Stories to Encourage Your Faith In God and A Children’s Book on Bishop Richard Allen: A Nonviolent Journey.

Dr. Ford won the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Public Service in 2019 and the Tom Locke Innovation Award from the Wesleyan Foundation in 2022.

Profile by Anita Flowers