Our Latest News
Unarmed Self Defense Shared with Beasley Media Group
New Interview! Beasley Media Group Francene Marie interviewed Yenting Liu,program director with Brave Step. If you've been waiting on the perfect unarmed self-defense workshop, this is it. Brave Step is offering an unarmed self-defense workshop in Charlotte, North...
Brave Step 2021 Impact Report
2021 Impact Report"I am immensely proud of Brave Step’s progress in 2021. In celebration of our accomplishments, this impact report shows some of the ways in which we braved forward, despite the past year’s unknowns and obstacles. Together, we met an overwhelming need...
Unarmed Self Defense Workshop
Join Brave Step for an exclusive Self-Defense Workshop! No high flying kicks. No overcomplicated techniques. No belt ranking. No experience necessary. Just simple, practical, and effective self defense for the everyday person. You will walk away from this training...
Achieving your Dreams: 3 Mistakes Survivors of Sexual Abuse Must Avoid
Workshop Description: Learn how to avoid the three major mistakes survivors make that block them from fulfilling their purpose. Discover how to have less self-doubt, more clarity, and a strong sense that fulfilling your dreams is possible. Get pro tips for...
2021 Changemaker Awards
2021 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 first-annual award recipients. We are grateful for their contributions to the community. Seth...
Darrell Fincher-Crusan Appears on the Francene Marie Show
New Interview! Beasley Media Group Brave Step Board Member Darrell Fincher-Crusan joins the Francene Marie Show on Beasley Media Group. While compelling listeners to take action, he makes a compelling story for the impact of sexual violence and shares information on...
Braving a New Tomorrow
Braving a New Tomorrow: Nov. 14-30We are all impacted by sexual violence. As a parent, caregiver, friend, ally and loved one, those you care about have been or will be impacted by sexual violence. It’s true that one in four (or more) women and one in six (or more) men...
Consent and the Five Body Safety Rules with Jayneen Sanders
Changemaker Training: Consent and the Five Body Safety Rules with Jayneen SandersSept. 28 at 7 p.m. ET Virtual On Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., author and advocate Jayneen Sanders will empower parents, caregivers, and loved ones with knowledge for their children on the...
Better Money Habits
Better Money HabitsBrave Step has partnered with Bank of America to present their Better Money Habits training to our Brave Step community to help empower you to reach your financial goals! Based on the responses from our survey, topics will include Retirement,...
The Inspiring Janet Ganoung Shares on the Francene Marie Show
The Francene Marie Show caught up with Janet Ganoung, one of Charlotte, North Carolinas volunteer favorites. So many years have come and gone, but her admiration for one of our most treasured non-profits, BRAVE STEP. still remains. We are so grateful for Francene and...
2021 Peer Leader Training
Are you a survivor of sexual violence who wants to help others? Join us Aug. 21 to explore what a peer leader is and discuss best practices.
July 15: Calling all Loved Ones of a Survivor
Join Us July 15 at 6 p.m.Are you the loved one of a sexual violence survivor? Join us July 15 from 6-8 p.m. to learn about the impact of sexual violence, your role as an ally, and a new program to effectively arm you with knowledge and skills, and find support from...
Holding Space with Jennifer Dean, MACP, LCMHC-S
Changemaker Training: "Holding Space" with Jennifer Dean, MACP, LCMHC-SJune 7 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET Virtual Training The term “holding space” is tossed around quite frequently, and yet to be quite honest, do you know what it means? On June 7 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.,...
HRV Training for Survivors
HRV TrainingSign up to participate in a 6 week small group Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback Training with Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic. Biofeedback uses science to teach the art of human self-regulation. In Person: Saturdays May 15-June 19 10:15am-11:15amIf...
Gentle and Restorative Yoga
Gentle and Restorative Yoga In-person AND live streaming (virtual) Sundays May 23-June 27 3:30-4:30pm ESTJoin Katie Overcash, LCSW, LISW-CP, RYT-200 for a 6-week Brave Step exclusive Yoga program. Each class is designed with sensitivity to trauma as well as...
Dr. Erin DiCesare Joins Francene Marie Show
New Interview! Beasley Media Group Brave Step Board Member Dr. Erin DiCesare joins the Francene Marie Show on Beasley Media Group to discuss Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Brave Step's new Changemaker program.
Brave Step Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie Bank
Brave Step Virtual Walk/Run presented by Uwharrie Bank May 17-23, 2021, Participate from any locationSexual violence impacts us all. The pain is often reflected in the faces of the people you see every day at your job, in the community, and even within your family....
Moments of Truth and Beauty
Join Local Artist Lynne Dulken and Brave Step June 4 at Nature's Spa and Wellness Approximately 50 original pieces along with fine art giclees on canvas and hand-signed cards are for sale and currently on display at Nature's Spa and Wellness. On June 4 from 7-10...
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and it’s time for a movement.
JOIN US! April 27 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | VirtualApril is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and it’s time for a movement. A time to bring awareness and conversation to this prevalent subject. Sexual violence impacts us all. The pain is often reflected in the faces of the...
Changemaker Videos Showcase New Program
Changemaker Videos On March 31, Brave Step's leadership unveiled its newest program, Changemaker. The Changemaker program gives participants the tools they need to support one another and help prevent future sexual violence. Changemakers will access carefully-vetted...
Shake Off the Shame
Shame ... Do you sometimes still wonder if the abuse was your fault? Do you find yourself constantly revisiting the past and try to figure out what you did or said that may have “caused” the abuse? Do you wrestle day after day with thoughts like, “I’m worthless,...
Brave Step Launches “Changemaker” Program To Help Prevent Future Sexual Violence
BRAVE STEP LAUNCHES “CHANGEMAKER” PROGRAM TO HELP PREVENT FUTURE SEXUAL VIOLENCEEquipping Allies with the Skills and Knowledge to Act Charlotte, N.C. (March 31, 2021) – On Wednesday, leaders of Brave Step, a nonprofit that empowers individuals who have been impacted...
SoulCollage: Awakening Artwork
SoulCollage: Awakening Artwork Join us in a peer-led SoulCollage workshop. This is a great opportunity for survivors to get creative while reflecting on your life and your future self in a safe space among other survivors. Date & Time Thursday, April 15, 2021 6:30...
Welcome Emily Wetsel & Kenneth Cooper
Brave Step is pleased to welcome two new board members to its board of directors. Emily Wetsel Emily Wetsel, CPA, is a Signing Director with CLA, specializing in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and other related consulting services. Kenneth Cooper Kenneth Cooper,...
New Program to be Unveiled March 30
Please join Brave Step to unveil a new program and hear from guest speaker Ramona Holloway. Be the first to experience the new program that gives participants the tools they need to support one another and help prevent future sexual violence.Special Guest: Ramona...
“Brave Mom” Writing Workshop
Brave Mom 5-Session Writing Workshop with Maureen Griffin Are you a mom and a survivor of sexual violence? Brave Step has partnered with Maureen Griffin of WordPlay (www.wordplaynow.com) to provide a 5-session weekly workshop to help Brave Moms use writing as a...
Welcome to the Board, Darrell Fincher
Please join us in welcoming, Darrell Fincher, to Brave Step's board of directors. Biography Darrell Fincher is a Human Resources Business Partner Leader at Wells Fargo. He is responsible for leading a team of geographically dispersed human resource professionals who...
Music Therapy Group
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,...
QPR Training May 13 at 6:30 p.m. ET
The QPR Institute created the QPR training module. The Institute's mission is to "save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training." QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps...
“Brave Mom” Programming Announced for 2021
Brave Mom: Empowering mothers impacted by sexual violence. Are you a mom and a survivor of sexual violence, and are you looking to learn more about parenting after trauma or parenting with PTSD? Brave Step welcomes you to explore this new programming announced for...
Brave Step’s Caleb Holloway & Yenting Liu Join the Francene Marie Show
The Francene Marie Show on Beasley Radio Showcases Brave Step "Get to know Brave Step and its mission. Francene Marie interviews Caleb Holloway, the President of Brave Step who empowers individuals who have been impacted by sexual abuse. The non-profit shapes a...
Brave Love Podcast: Laura Davis, coauthor of The Courage to Heal, Surprises Brave Step Founder Crystal Emerick
The Brave Love Podcast Laura Davis, Co-Author of "The Courage to Heal," surprises Brave Step founder, Crystal Emerick Listen to Brave Step founder Crystal Emerick's interview on The Brave Love Show with host Sarah Dale. Be sure to watch the whole episode because she...
Brave Step Holiday Giving Guide
Brave Step Holiday Giving Guide This holiday season, join us in supporting the local businesses who support our mission. This holiday season, test drive and purchase a Volvo from University Volvo. University Volvo has been a supporter of Brave Step since 2018, and we...
Healing Charlotte Podcast
Brave Step Founder Featured on Healing Charlotte Podcast In this episode, Healing Charlotte Podcast producer Katie Overcash interviews Crystal Emerick, the founder and Executive Director of Brave Step, a non-profit that focuses on supporting those affected by sexual...
Calling All Artists
brave step Calling all artists Davidson giving tree 2020Celebrating Survivors Through Art! We are calling all artists to create work celebrating survivors who have helped expand, progress and deepen the public understanding and education around sexual violence through...
October Program Offerings
October Program Offerings.For adult survivors of sexual violence, Brave Step is proud to offer the following services in October. Please note, these are in addition to ongoing individual counseling and peer-led support groups.Virtual Cooking Class Are you interested...
Celebration of Hope and Life presented by the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
Join us! Nov, 12 at 7 p.m. ET | Virtual Event Brave Step’s “Celebration of Hope and Life presented by the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin” will honor the spirit of healing for anyone impacted by mental health and/or sexual violence.Celebrating life is essential to...
Building Positive Habits of Self-Care
Building Positive Habits of Self-Care A 6-week training course is now available for Brave Step clients. The course will guide you to build positive habits of self-care. Together, we will walk through the means of self-empowerment; while learning several mental...
Brave Step Welcomes Two New Board Members
Brave Step Announces Two New Board Members Please join us in welcoming Dr. Erin DiCesare and Courtney Lawrence to Brave Step's board of directors. Dr. Erin DiCesare, Johnson C. Smith University Courtney Lawrence, MSW, LCSW Mecklenburg County Community Support...
A “Virtual” Cup of Courage
A time of courage and connection for women. Come and bravely discuss the impact sexual abuse and assault has in our lives as survivors, loved ones, community advocates and those simply wanting to learn more.
Shop for Good July 12-19
SHARE Charlotte's Shop for GOOD week provides a safe and easy way for the community to buy items that help Brave Step fulfill its mission.Many of the items requested on Brave Step's Wish List offer comfort, an outlet from the pain, and serve as a reminder that...
Brave Step Founder Awarded The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Award
We couldn’t be prouder of our very own Crystal Emerick! The Charlotte Ledger named Crystal one of the region’s 40 stars and change makers for her visionary work with Brave Step. Crystal, your grassroots work supporting and healing the unseen and unheard survivors of...
Brave Step partners with Airing Out the “Dirty” Laundry artist Andrea Downs
We all have a story to tell. On Sunday, July 19 from 2-3 pm, Brave Step survivors are invited to be a part of the narrative, make their story visible, and connect with other women at a Virtual Laundry Day Workshop with local artist and creator of Airing Out the...
Safe Child Act of 2020
The Safe Child Act allows any survivor of child sexual abuse whose claim would have been barred under the prior statute of limitations to sue those responsible, regardless of when the abuse occurred. Adults who were abused many years ago may now be able to assert...
Brave Step welcomes Dr. Princess Cullum to Board of Directors
Brave Step welcomes Dr. Princess Cullum to Board of Directors Brave Step is delighted to announce Dr. Princess Cullum, a leader in human resource development, has joined our Board of Directors. Dr. Cullum brings more than 15 years of experience in investment banking...
A note from Board President Caleb Holloway
From the desk of our Board PresidentDear Brave Step Community, Thank you. What you’ve done is incredible. You’ve made your way to this mailing list, and you’ve opened this letter. You’ve listened to someone tell their story, believed them, and affirmed them. You’ve...
I Ask for Consent
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to become informed, educated and activated. These materials were provided courtesy of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Celebrate mom with candles for Mother’s Day
Birdie Candle CompanyA portion of proceeds from each sale benefit Brave StepMother’s Day is right around the corner, and we have just the gift for the favorite women in your life.Missing your mom this Mother’s Day? Are you looking for a great gift to brighten her...
Virtual Opportunities for April 2020
April ActivitiesTo continue its mission of empowering adults impacted by sexual violence, Brave Step has numerous opportunities in April to help us stay connected through these days of social distancing and self-isolation. Please remember to be gentle and extra...
BRAVING THE CORONAVIRUS
How is Brave Step responding to the coronavirus?
Shedding the Darkness
I was first molested by my uncle, whom I adored, when I was 12 yrs old. As it turns out, he had groomed me for those 12 years, making me feel as though I was the most special person in the world. He made me the apple of his eye, and I became ripe for his picking.
Little Me
Hello, little one. It’s me; the bigger you. We live our lives still like one. You lived through the horrors, and I live with the memories of the past.
Peer Leader Training for Sexual Violence
Register today for a training that will effectively train peer volunteers and mental health professionals serving those impacted by sexual violence in techniques for leading in a group support setting.
The Little Girl in the Picture
The Little Girl in the Picture Have you ever had that one picture of yourself that you say, “Who is this?” You just stare at it, and it calls your soul. It is like it is telling you to search deep within yourself and remember. How far back can you remember...
VDAY Charlotte 2020: The Vagina Monologues
An Obie Award-winning whirlwind tour of a forbidden zone, "The Vagina Monologues" introduces a wildly divergent gathering of female voices, including a six-year-old girl, a septuagenarian New Yorker, a vagina workshop participant, a woman who witnesses the birth of...
Brave Step Announces New Case Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Emily Harris emily@bravestep.org (704) 989-0034 BRAVE STEP ANNOUNCES NEW CASE MANAGER CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 15, 2020) – Brave Step is delighted to announce Yenting Liu, LCSW, as our new case manager. Liu brings a professional...
Beasley Radio: Brave Step & GivingTuesday
Welcome, Emily Harris.
Please welcome Emily Harris to our team as our volunteer Marketing and Communications Director! Emily is a senior creative strategist for a Fortune 100 company. Emily is a former award-winning investigative staff reporter for the Charlotte Observer and the Chicago...
2019 Giving Book by The Society Guide
We’re proud to be featured in the 2019 Giving Book by The Society Guide. Pick up a copy and read more about how you can support local organizations like ours this giving season.
Brave Step Celebrates 5 Years
Brave Step Celebrates 5 Years Special thanks to MRN for producing this video.
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