Our Latest News
Courageous Book Club
Courageous Book Club Sign up for Brave Step's Courageous Book Club on Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly! Daring Greatly by Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability, showing how embracing it fosters courage, connection, and personal growth. Brown demonstrates that...
Brave Mom
Brave Mom Are you a mother who is a survivor of sexual violence looking to reconnect and grow? "Brave Mom", facilitated by Kyla Harvey, MSW, LCSWA, is here to support you! This transformative 8-week program is designed specifically for mothers, offering a...
Unwrap the Wonder
Join us this Dec. 20 to wrap up your holiday gift buying and make an impact. Shop online using code "GIVEBACK-ICWKM" or visit us at Southpark Mall.
Brave Step: A Toast to 10
Celebrating 10 Years! Our Impact to Date As we celebrate Brave Step’s 10th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to supporters like you whose generosity has empowered survivors and allies. Together, we’ve strengthened precious lives! A Walk Down Memory Lane A...
2024 Changemaker Award Winners
2024 Changemaker Awards Brave Step honors Changemakers in our community who are making a difference and changing the world for good so please join us in honoring the third-annual award recipients. We are grateful for their contributions to the community. ...
Tee It Up Silent Auction
Silent auction 🎉 Celebrate a Decade of Hope and Wellbeing! 🎉 Our silent auction invites everyone—whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just joining our journey—to make a meaningful impact. Bid on exclusive items and experiences, and be a part of our...
Board Member Emily Wetsel on WBTV
New Interview! WBTV 'Tee It Up for Brave Step' golf event coming up in November Click on the photo below for the video.
Changemaker Workshop: Keeping Children Safe at the Holidays
Keeping Children Safe at the Holidays As the holiday season approaches, the focus often shifts to festive gatherings, family traditions and creating joyful memories. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial to address a topic that isn't always on the agenda but...
Resilience Rising: A Mind & Body Retreat
Resilience Rising: A Mind & Body RetreatEmbark on a journey of well-being and empowerment at Brave Step's first women-identifying members all-day retreat. "Resilience Rising" will be a safe and nurturing space where participants can begin or continue...
Peer Leader Training Sept. 14, 2024
Peer Leader Training During Brave Step’s Peer Leader Training, we will explore together what it means to be a peer leader and discuss best practices. Brave Step currently needs peer leaders to lead our Courageous Corners(peer support group), Courageous Book...
2024 Tee It Up for Brave Step
Welcome to Tee It Up for Brave Step! “Tee It Up for Brave Step” is a family-friendly event, celebrating 10 years of walking alongside those impacted by sexual violence. To drive this mission forward, bring your family, friends and coworkers as we give back...
Assistant Group Leader Training
Assistant Group Leader Training During Brave Step’s Assistant Group Leader training, we will explore what it means to be an assistant group leader and discuss best practices. This training will be a step towards becoming an assistant group leader for our...
Mindfulness 101
Mindfulness 101 with Dr. Susan FunkOn Sept. 26, 2024, at 7 p.m. ET, join Brave Step and Dr. Susan Funk in a mindfulness 101 session. In addition to learning about the fundamentals of mindfulness, Dr. Funk will share key elements to be aware of when considering and/or...
2023 Impact Report
2023 Impact Report As we embarked on 2023 with optimism and purpose, the Brave Step team approached this mission with a sense of determination that is unmatched in this space. From compassion-driven services to capacity-building debates, we’ve not stopped...
“Color It Blue” featured on WBTV
New Interview! WBTV Dr. Erin DiCesare, board member and advocate, joined WBTV to encourage viewers to Color It Blue for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
WCCB Charlotte Interview
New Interview! WCCB Charlotte CW For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, WCCB Charlotte CW's Emma Mondo interviews Bentley and Ray Ball on their journey as survivors and therapists.
“Building Brave Spaces” Retreat
Join Us April 27 - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Brave Step has partnered with Davdison College’s Title IX and Health Education Offices to present “Building Brave Spaces” Retreat. Join our panelists for insight and engagement with breakout sessions to follow for more in-depth...
Malinda Ingram Joins Beasley Radio
New Interview! Beasley Media Group Brave Step Board Member Malinda Ingram joins the Francene Marie Show on Beasley Media Group to discuss all things April - the Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie Bank, Color It Blue and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
HRV Biofeedback April 2024
HRV Biofeedback TrainingSign up to participate in a 8-week small group Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback Training with Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic. Biofeedback uses science to teach the art of human self-regulation.The best part of the program was connecting...
Healing Through Narrative
Healing Through Narrative A Trauma-Informed Storytelling 4-part Workshop Series 2024 Join us for a 4-part workshop where you'll discover the transformative power of storytelling to connect with others and claim your own narrative. This series of workshops is...
2024 Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie Bank
Brave Step Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie Bank April 1-8, 2024 | Walk or Run Anywhere Be a Changemaker. Each step you take fuels life-changing minutes of counseling and support by Brave Step. Sexual violence impacts us all. The pain is often reflected in the...
Color It Blue in April 2024
How will you Color It Blue? Sexual violence impacts us all. In April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, join Brave Step as we "Color It Blue." Color It Blue is Brave Step's signature campaign to encourage survivors, loved...
Interview with Isis Bey
New Interview! Beasley Media Group Brave Step Advisory Board Member Isis Bey joins the Francene Marie Show on Beasley Media Group to discuss sexual violence within the Black community.
Brave Step’s Therapist-Led Book Club
Brave Step’s Therapist-Led Book ClubBrene Brown's Atlas of the Heart Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human ExperienceIf we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our...
Peer Leader Training March 2, 2024
Peer Leader Training During Brave Step’s Peer Leader Training, we will explore together what it means to be a peer leader and discuss best practices. Brave Step currently needs peer leaders to lead our Courageous Corners(peer support group), Courageous Book...
“Armed for the Digital World” Workshop by The Lantern Project
Changemaker Workshop: Armed for the Digital WorldDate: April 18, 2024 Time: 7 p.m. ET Location: ZoomBrave Step welcomes The Lantern Project, a nonprofit that serves as a network of lanterns that educates, identifies, and empowers people to fight back against human...
Wrap up your holiday shopping with Kendra Scott
JOIN US FOR A HOLIDAY KENDRA GIVES BACK EVENT You're invited to a holiday Kendra Gives Back event at Kendra Scott SouthPark in collaboration with Brave Step. 20% of sales will benefit the organization. Shop the holiday collection for your holiday gifting needs!...
Celebrating Nine Years with Nine Brave Stories
Celebrating Nine Years In nine years, Brave Step has served as a steadfast guide for more than 445 adult survivors of sexual violence and loved ones. In addition, we’ve cultivated more than 1,000 Changemakers! To celebrate nine years of strengthening...
2023 Changemaker Award Winners
2023 Changemaker Awards Brave Step honors Changemakers in our community who are making a difference and changing the world for good so please join us in honoring the third-annual award recipients. We are grateful for their contributions to the community. The...
WBTV: Tee It Up for Brave Step
New Interview! WBTV WBTV welcomed Brave Step founder Crystal Emerick on the noon show to showcase the nonprofit's upcoming Tee It Up for Brave Step event. Listen in.
“Healthy Touch” Workshop by Darkness to Light
Changemaker Workshop: Healthy TouchDate: Jan. 23, 2024 Time: 7 p.m. ET Location: ZoomBrave Step will welcome Darkness to Light, a national nonprofit committed to empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse, for a free Changemaker workshop on the importance of...
Storytelling Workshop Oct. 21, 2023
Healing Through NarrativeA Trauma-Informed Storytelling Introductory WorkshopDate: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Location: Virtual. Microsoft Teams link will be sent out prior to the event Join us for an introductory workshop where...
Peer Leader Training Nov. 4, 2023
Peer Leader Training During Brave Step’s Peer Leader Training, we will explore together what it means to be a peer leader and discuss best practices. Brave Step currently needs peer leaders to lead our Courageous Corners(peer support group), Courageous Book...
Assistant Group Leader Training
Assistant Group Leader Training During Brave Step’s Assistant Group Leader training, we will explore what it means to be an assistant group leader and discuss best practices. This training will be a step towards becoming an assistant group leader for our...
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast: Empowering survivors of sexual abuse
Brave Step Founder Joined The Charlotte Ledger Podcast Brave Step founder Crystal Emerick joins The Charlotte Ledger podcast to discuss the importance of empowering sexual abuse survivors and raising awareness among children.
2023 Tee It Up for Brave Step
Tee It Up for Brave StepWelcome to Tee It Up for Brave Step! “Tee It Up for Brave Step” is a family-friendly event, celebrating nine years of walking alongside those impacted by sexual violence. To drive this mission forward, bring your family, friends and coworkers...
Acquisition International Magazine announces a Brave Step honor.
United Kingdom, 2023 – Acquisition International Magazine announces the winners of this year’s Non-Profit Organisation Awards. Our Non-Profit Organisation Awards have been a fantastic journey and an eye-opening experience as we yet again highlight a selection of...
HRV Biofeedback Fall 2023
HRV Biofeedback Training Sign up to participate in a 8-week small group Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback Training with Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic. Biofeedback uses science to teach the art of human self-regulation. The best part of the program was connecting...
Music Therapy
Music Therapy Group Brave Step is partnering with Piedmont Music Therapy to offer an 8-session, in-person, music therapy series! This series will explore self-care, emotions and creative outlets while providing space for music listening, relaxation exercises,...
Changemaker Workshop: Parenting Safe Children
Parenting Safe Children with Feather Berkower, LCSW Join Brave Step and child sexual assault prevention expert and founder of Parenting Safe Children Feather Berkower, LCSW, to learn how to keep children safe from sexual assault and how to build a prevention...
Fall 2023 Group Therapy
Group TherapyWe are launching a new round of group therapy in the fall, led by one of our wonderful providers, Terri Rhodes. Take a brave step on the path to wellbeing. Brave Step’s Group Therapy sessions offer a structured and confidential setting for...
Kitten Yoga
Kitten Yoga Join us for a heartwarming and empowering event: Kitten Yoga in collaboration with the Humane Society of Charlotte. This special yoga session, led by a trauma-sensitive yoga instructor, is designed to bring joy, healing, and empowerment to survivors. ...
Brave Step Founder Joins Chezuba Talks Podcast
New Interview! Chezuba Talks Podcast Crystal Emerick has made it her life's mission to support victims of sexual abuse- the trauma is real and the means to fight it? Challenging. People who have been sexually assaulted often experience a range of emotions and...
Changemaker Workshop: Calm Body, Quiet Mind
Changemaker Workshop: Calm Body, Quiet Mind Date: June 27, 2023 Time: 6:30 p.m. ET Location: Zoom With the demands of life and the constant hustle and bustle, how can we manage to maintain a calm body and a quiet mind? Does your mind race constantly? Is your body...
Storytelling Workshop
Healing Through Narrative A Trauma-Informed Storytelling Introductory Workshop Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023 Time: 1:30-4:30pm Location: 4919 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205 Join us for an introductory workshop where you'll discover the transformative power of...
Spectrum News: Sexual assault survivor uses her voice
Spectrum News Sexual assault survivor uses her voice to inspire others
WBTV: Hearing from sexual assault survivors
New Interview! WBTV As Sexual Assault Awareness Month wraps up, WBTV put a spotlight on how our community is supporting survivors of sexual assault. Click on the photo below for the video.
Holding Space
Changemaker Training: "Holding Space" with Jennifer Dean, MACP, LCMHC-SMay 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET Virtual TrainingToday, we encounter trauma every day in our personal and professional life. How do we respond to it? How do we show up authentically? How can we...
Francene Marie Show: “Color It Blue”
New Interview! Beasley Media Group Francene Marie interviews Courtney Lawrence, a Brave Step board member and LCSW, about the "Color It Blue" campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
WCCB: Brave Step & Modern Salon “Color It Blue”
New Interview! WCCB During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Brave Step and Modern Salon and Spa sat down with Emma Monda to discuss the Color IT Blue campaign. Click on the photo below for the video.
Francene Marie Show Interviews Founder Crystal Emerick
New Interview! Beasley Media Group Francene Marie interviews founder Crystal Emerick about the upcoming Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie Bank and Illuminate Salon.
Braving the Conversation
Braving the Conversation How to start a conversation about sexual violence Whether it is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month or life brings this issue to your doorstep, the dilemma of how to start and have a conversation about sexual violence...
Consent and Body Safety Workshop
Changemaker TrainingFree Consent & Body Safety WorkshopWhether you are a parent, caregiver, or ally of a toddler up to a teen, the important subject of consent and body safety should be a frequent topic in your home and/or lives. As data indicates, 25 percent of...
Trauma-Informed HRV Training for Survivors
Trauma-Informed Heart Rate Variability TrainingSign up to participate in a 8-session small group Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback Training with Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic. Biofeedback uses science to teach the art of human self-regulation. If you have...
Brave Step Challenges the Community to “Color It Blue”
BRAVE STEP CHALLENGES THE COMMUNITY TO "COLOR IT BLUE" Awareness and Advocacy Campaign Set for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 6, 2023) – As Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse...
2023 Color It Blue
Color It BlueSexual violence impacts us all. In April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, join Brave Step as we "Color It Blue." Color It Blue is Brave Step's signature campaign to encourage survivors, loved ones, allies and...
2022 Impact Report
2022 Impact Report Time and again, we hear from those we serve how meaningful it is to have us walk alongside them. The impact of those relationships is critical and yet difficult to quantify. This report attempts to do this as we reflect on 2022, a year of growth and...
2023 Brave Step Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie Bank and Illuminate Salon
Brave Step Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie BankApril 1-8, 2023 Participate from any location.Be a Changemaker. Each step you take fuels life-changing minutes of counseling and support by Brave Step.Sexual violence impacts us all. The pain is often reflected in...
Peer Leader Training
Peer Leader Training During Brave Step’s Peer Leader training, we will explore what it means to be a peer leader and discuss best practices. This training will be a step towards becoming a Brave Step peer leader for one or more of our Courageous programs,...
Brave Step’s Therapist-Led Book Club
Brave Step’s Therapist-Led Book Club Brene Brown's Atlas of the Heart Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human ExperienceIf we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our...