A local woman is dedicating her time to the betterment of others' lives.

We found out more on Kelly Guffey and her home for battered women and children in this week's Hometown Hero.

"Probably about the age of 14, I knew that I wanted to work with abused women and children, but never had any idea that the Lord would lead me into a home for women and children," said Kelly Guffey, President of Esther House.

In October of 2006, Guffey began developing her idea for the Esther House, and with a house on lease from the state, which she hopes to be in soon, Guffey's home for battered women and children is almost completely a reality.

"It is a Christian-based home," said Guffey. "We believe that if she builds a foundation on Jesus Christ then she will build a life worth living from there."

Sharon Branham believes Guffey deserves the title of Hometown Hero.

"I just admire her," said Branham, who nominated Guffey as a hero. "I'm very proud of her. I respect everything that she's doing, and I'm here to help her in any way that I can because we need this."

Esther House will help abuse victims receive the tools they need to better their lives, like education and work experience.

It's something Branham admires because she says homes like this haven't always been around.

"No one was there for you, so therefore you stayed in the home," said Branham. "You accepted the abuse, and you didn't forward your life."

And with no resource of grants, fundraisers have been helpful, such as Yippee-Ki-Yah Day this year, an Evening of Hope last October, and Angel Food every month.

With 1 in 3 women being the victim of domestic violence, many agree Guffey's home is needed.

"I certainly don't feel like a hero," said Guffey. "I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be just a part of the process."

The Esther House will be hosting its next event this fall at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.

On October 11 they will hold their second Evening of Hope.