Our Latest News
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.
We are hiring!
Brave Step is seeking a case manager to assist in its mission to empower individuals who have been impacted by sexual abuse.
Cultivate: Crystal Emerick’s Path Inspires Others To Take Their Own Brave Step
Content taken from Cultivate. By Lindsey J. Cable with toth shop As a girl living on a farm in Eastern North Carolina, Crystal Emerick had no idea how one brave step would ignite a passion in her and change her life – and the lives of others forever. Emerick is...
Sarah Clanton & Carrie Welling Fundraiser – Oct. 6
Sarah Clanton, musical mermaid & Pop'icana cellist, singer-songwriter & Carrie Welling, fellow Nashvillian & shining indie pop star on the rise, are going on tour! After a year of big transitions & self-reflection for us both, we're ready to sit in the...
BRAVE STEP APPOINTS FRANCENE MARIE MORRIS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 23, 2019) – Brave Step announced the appointment of Francene Marie Morris, an award-winning talk show host at Beasley Media Group, to its board of directors. Founded in 2014, Brave Step strengthens adults impacted by sexual abuse by providing...
July 20: Wash Away the Wait List
Brave Step and River Church of Stanly County have teamed up to "wash away the wait list." We simply can’t keep pace with the growing demand for individual counseling that adult survivors and their loved ones deserve and need. With each car washed, we can chip away at...
WCNC Charlotte Today: Coping with sexual assault through story bowls
WCNC Charlotte Today graciously hosted Brave Step and artist Dana Endsley to discuss the upcoming StoryBowl event. Click on the image above or the link here to watch the full interview....
A Cup of Courage
A Cup of Courage is a time of courage and connection. It’s an opportunity to 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. Guest speakers and breakout sessions...
Anniversary Celebration
Fifth Anniversary CelebrationDate & Time Thursday, Nov. 14 5:30 - 8:30 P.M.Location Sugar Creek Brewery 215 Southside Dr. Charlotte, NCFounded Nov. 14, 2014, Brave Step empowers individuals who have been impacted by sexual abuse. To shape a strong, supportive...
Pour Your Story into a StoryBowl
Have you experienced sexual harassment, abuse or assault?If so, pour your story in a StoryBowlTM on Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Myers Park Baptist Church. Brave Step has teamed up with artist Dana Endsley to give women who have experienced sexual...
WCCB Charlotte: Local Non Profit Helps Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Don't miss WCCB Charlotte's feature for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The segment includes three survivors from Brave Step who are using their voices to make an impact. ...
Beasley Radio Promotes April 27 “I Ask” Forum
Brave Step is honored to support the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office's event "I Ask" community forum on April 27. Beasley Radio promoted the event this past weekend. Catch the full interview...
CHRISTINE ROPER AND CALEB HOLLOWAY JOIN BRAVE STEP’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHRISTINE ROPER AND CALEB HOLLOWAY JOIN BRAVE STEP’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 26, 2019) – On Tuesday, Seth Langson, president of Brave Step’s Board of Directors, announced the addition of two new board members, Christine Roper...
Meet Our New Volunteer Director
Please join us in welcoming Brave Step's new volunteer director, Heather Tucker. “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve....
Charlotte Five: How to cope if you’re feeling triggered by the latest sexual assault news.
Charlotte Five recently interviewed Brave Step's clinical director, Kim Dupuis, for the article "How to cope if you're feeling triggered by the latest sexual assault news." Don't miss this great...
I “Ask” Community Forum
Make plans to join us on April 27!
Unbalanced Justice: Sexual Assault in NC | Huntersville forum
HOSTED BY CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS The statewide investigative news nonprofit organization, Carolina Public Press, will hold a community Newmakers forum on women’s health and safety issues, with a focus on sexual assault in North Carolina, from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday,...
CMPD Sexual Assault Zumbathon
Beasley Radio: When You See Your Sexual Abuser During The Holidays
Francene Marie Morris with Beasley Radio recently interviewed therapist and advisory board member Bentley Ball on how to handle seeing your abuser during the holidays. This interview is applicable throughout the year and a must listen for all. ...
Join us at Kendra Scott April 10 6-8 p.m.
Scoop Charlotte: Year Round Giving. The Charlotte Women In Non Profit
Scoop Charlotte posted a story on Dec. 15, 2018, featuring a multitude of women working in the nonprofit space in Charlotte. Brave Step was honored and humbled to be included. Writer Erin Breeden summarizes, "Giving Tuesday may have been last month, but that...
Announcing the 2019 CULTIVATE Cohort
Brave Step is thrilled to share this exciting news from Next Stage Consulting. Content taken from Next Stage Consulting Blog: Next Stage today announced the selection of six (6) nonprofits for participation in the 2019 cohort of CULTIVATE, an incubator designed to...
Brave Step Celebrates Anniversary and Achievements
Brave Step Celebrates Anniversary and Achievements Local Non-Profit Group Finds Success with First Clinical Prototype CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Nov. 15, 2018) — For four years the non-profit organization Brave Step has served the Charlotte community, and on Wednesday evening,...
Beasley Radio Showcases Coffee & Conversation
Brave Step Board Member Julie Moxley and Coffee & Conversation speaker Andrea Matthes, founder of I'mperfect Life, joined Francene Marie on Beasley Radio stations' Kiss 95.1, V101.9, WSOC-FM, WKQC-FM, WPEG-FM, WBCN-AM 94.7 SMOKE, and Kiss 95.1 HD2 to showcase...
Charlotte Talks: How We Talk About Sexual Assault And Who To Believe
WFAE's Charlotte Talks tackles the challenging conversation of how we talk about sexual assault and who to belive. Crystal Emerick, founder and executive director of Brave Step, and Dr. Michael Yonkovig, licensed psychologist in private practice specializing in the...
Survivor Blog: Crying is a Release
Crying is a Release By: Breannon Renee' My second brave step is to cry. It sounds obvious. When you are in pain, you'll cry, but so many people won't allow themselves to. It's okay to just take some time to think about everything and let that pain out. Crying allows...
WBTV: Taking politics out of the sexual assault discussion
Brave Step and Safe Alliance joined WBTV Friday, Oct. 5 to participate in a roundtable about sexual abuse and assault. http://www.wbtv.com/video/2018/10/06/taking-politics-out-sexual-assault-discussion/
A Brave Step by Breannon Renee
A Brave Step is re-establishing your self-worth. This is very hard to do because some people don't remember their abuse fully until years later. People go through life for years lacking confidence but don't even know what's the root of their self-deprecation....
2018 Coffee & Conversation
When women come together over coffee passions are ignited, friendships strengthened, silly laughter ensues, and life’s toughest challenges are tackled. Join us Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon for a time of sharing, discovery and fun as Brave Step hosts...
WFAE presents a Public Conversation: Beyond “She Says:” Sexual Assault in Charlotte
After a compelling investigation which resulted in the in-depth podcast series, "She Says" by Sarah Delia, WFAE brought the conversation of sexual assault in Charlotte to the community. Brave Step participatedin the panel as a victim advocate. To listen to the...
WFAE “Charlotte Talks”
Brave Step had the distinct honor of joining several panelists for the Thursday, May 31 airing of Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins. Charlotte Talks: 'She Says' Podcast Launch And Discussion About Sexual Assault Listen to the full interview...
Southpark Magazine and Charlotte Five
Thank you to SouthPark Magazine and Charlotte Five for sharing the Brave Step story.
Beasley Radio Promotes Recycled Soles
The always-fun Francene Marie show welcomed Brave Step on the show to discuss its Recycled Soles campaign. The interview aired on Kiss 95.1, 101.9, 104.7, 103.7 and Power98. https://soundcloud.com/francenemarie/donate-your-shoes-to-brave-step
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