ABOUT VELVET & VINE
Building Confidence Through Inclusive Education
How the Conversation Became a Mission
Velvet & Vine didn’t begin in a classroom. It began with real people, real questions, and real situations.
Before Velvet & Vine, there was Sex Talk With Khrys, a space created by Khrystal “Khrys” Jones to have open, honest conversations about sexuality, intimacy, pleasure, and relationships.
But Khrys was also living in another world every day as the owner and Executive Director of Diamonds In the Rough Services for Youth & Families, Inc., supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
And something became impossible to ignore.
Individuals were expressing themselves sexually. They were masturbating. Becoming attracted to people. Wanting relationships. Testing boundaries. Asking questions. Experiencing rejection. Exploring their bodies and sometimes expressing sexual needs in ways staff did not understand or know how to support.
The answer couldn’t always be:
“Stop the behavior.”
Sometimes the better question was:
“What is this telling us this person needs to learn?”
Khrys began educating her own team, teaching staff how to talk about consent, privacy, boundaries, relationships, sexual expression, safety, intimacy, rejection and healthy choices without immediately approaching sexuality as a problem.
That work became bigger than one agency.
Sex Talk With Khrys evolved into Velvet & Vine by Khrys.
Today, Velvet & Vine provides relationship and sexuality education for individuals of all abilities while also equipping the people and organizations surrounding them with the knowledge, language, tools and confidence to provide better support.
Educate. Empower. Connect.
OUR MISSION
Education That Empowers Every Learner
At Velvet & Vine, we believe education is more than sharing information—it is creating opportunities for individuals to build confidence, strengthen relationships, make informed decisions, and live with greater independence.
Our educational programs are designed to make complex topics accessible through practical learning experiences, interactive workbooks, guided activities, and evidence-informed resources that respect the dignity and unique learning needs of every individual.
Rather than focusing on limitations, we focus on strengths, encouraging learners to develop communication skills, understand personal boundaries, build healthy relationships, recognize unsafe situations, and advocate for themselves with confidence.
Why This Work Matters
Every person deserves access to education.
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often excluded from conversations about relationships, sexuality, personal safety, and healthy decision-making. Without access to accurate information, opportunities to build confidence and make informed choices can be limited.
Velvet & Vine exists to help change that through inclusive, respectful, and practical educational resources.
Educational Philosophy
Learning should be practical, inclusive, and empowering.
Everything we create is guided by educational principles that place the learner at the center of the experience.
Person-Centered Learning
Educational resources are designed around individual strengths, goals, experiences, and learning styles.
Practical Education
Workbooks, activities, and guided learning experiences help transform knowledge into everyday life skills.
Inclusive Learning
Every learner deserves education that is respectful, accessible, and welcoming.
Building Confidence
Education should support independence, healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and lifelong learning.
WHY WE EXIST
Education Creates Confidence
For too long, conversations around relationships and sexuality have been limited for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believe knowledge creates confidence, confidence supports independence, and independence helps build healthy, meaningful relationships.
01
Understanding
Learning begins with accurate, respectful education that removes confusion and encourages informed choices.
02
Confidence
Knowledge gives people the confidence to communicate, build relationships, and advocate for themselves.
03
Independence
Education helps individuals make safe, informed decisions while respecting personal rights and dignity.
04
Connection
Healthy relationships are built through communication, consent, respect, and meaningful human connection.
OUR VALUES
The principles behind every learning experience.
Respect
Everyone deserves to be heard, valued, and treated with dignity.
Safety
Creating environments where individuals feel secure, informed, and supported.
Education
Learning should be practical, engaging, and empowering.
Inclusion
Resources designed for every learner and every support system.
Choice
Helping individuals make informed decisions while respecting personal autonomy.
Growth
Supporting lifelong confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships.