Brave Step

04/22/2026

💙 Voices of Change: Dr. Terri Rhodes

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation.
It happens in connection, courage and community.

Dr. Terri Rhodes, a psychologist working with Brave Step clients, leads group therapy while also providing individual counseling — walking alongside survivors as they build trust, connection and hope.

Reflecting on her work with group members, Dr. Rhodes shared:

"I am so appreciative of the opportunity to work with the group members who are so engaged in the process and moving in significant ways as they establish their community and move towards healing."

Her words remind us that recovery is not only possible, it’s happening.
In rooms where survivors gather.
In moments of shared understanding.
In the steady work of moving forward together.

We’re grateful for Dr. Rhodes’ commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening the communities that make growth possible. 💙

04/21/2026

💙 Walk With Us. You’re Invited.

On Saturday, we’ll gather for something simple and meaningful.

A walk.
A chance to show support.
A moment to stand with survivors and remind our community that recovery happens together.

You’re invited to join us for our casual community walk on April 25 at 11 a.m.

This isn’t about pace or distance.
It’s about presence.

Walk beside survivors.
Walk in honor of someone you love.
Walk because prevention and recovery matter to you.

Whether you come alone or bring a friend, you belong here.

👟 Join us in person on April 25 at 11 a.m. at Matthews United Methodist Church (801 S. Trade St., Matthews)
👟 Or participate from wherever you are through our virtual walk/run

Let’s take this next step, together. 💙

🔗 Register today and make your plan to walk. https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112525/2026-brave-step-virtual-walkrun

04/20/2026

💙 Education Is Prevention

Silence is one of the greatest barriers survivors face.

Silence can look like uncertainty about what to say.
Silence can look like fear of saying the wrong thing.
Silence can look like not knowing how to begin the conversation.

But silence doesn’t protect people — conversation does.

That’s why we Color It Blue.

When you wear blue…
When you tie a ribbon…
When you display your “I Color It Blue” sign…

You create an opening.

An opening for questions.
An opening for awareness.
An opening for someone to feel seen, heard and supported.

💙 This April, Color It Blue to help gently dismantle silence, one conversation at a time.

What’s one way you can open the door to conversation this week?

04/17/2026

💙 One Brave Thing

Sometimes courage is quiet but still visible.

One Brave Thing you can do this week:
Tie a blue ribbon to your mailbox.

It’s simple.
It takes just a moment.
And it sends a powerful message that your home stands for awareness, prevention and support for survivors.

When neighbors see blue ribbons appearing, conversations begin.
Curiosity grows.
Awareness spreads.

That’s how change starts, one small action at a time.

💙 Tie a ribbon.
💙 Start a conversation.
💙 Color your community Blue.

What’s one place you can tie a blue ribbon today?

04/16/2026

We’re dreaming big about Brave Step’s future, and we’re looking for leaders who want to help shape it.

If you or someone you know has experience in finance, law, marketing or sales/fundraising and a heart for community impact, we’d love to welcome you into this work.

Learn more about our open board roles and how your leadership can make a meaningful difference: www.BraveStep.org/board-engagement.

04/15/2026

💙 Voices of Change: He’s Back.

Some people serve behind the scenes.
Others step forward when they’re needed most.

Dr. Gene Edwards is back.

After serving two full terms on Brave Step’s Advisory Board, Dr. Edwards is now stepping into a new role, working directly with survivors and continuing his commitment to recovery and support in our community.

With more than a decade of experience in counseling, psychotherapy and behavioral health consultation, Dr. Edwards brings a depth of knowledge shaped across mental health, educational and administrative settings. His work has included college student mental health, clinical leadership, cultural competency, diversity and inclusion and social justice, all areas that strengthen the care and compassion survivors deserve.

His return reflects something powerful: A continued belief in this mission and the people we serve.

We’re grateful to welcome Dr. Edwards back in this new capacity and honored to have his expertise and heart supporting survivors on their recovery journeys. 💙

04/14/2026

💙 Still Time to Join the Learning Journey

Change doesn’t happen all at once.
It happens when people choose to learn, listen and lean into conversations that matter.

Our 3-part webinar series is already bringing together community members committed to prevention and there’s still time to join us.

Each session offers practical insight, thoughtful discussion and a chance to deepen your understanding of how education helps prevent sexual violence.

Whether you missed the first session or are planning to attend the next, you are welcome here.

💙 Join us for the upcoming sessions on the 17th and 24th or register now to be part of this growing community of courageous changemakers.

📅 Don’t miss the next opportunity to learn and take action.

🔗 Register today using the link BraveStep.orgor QR code.

04/13/2026

💙 Education Is Prevention

Did you know? Survivors of sexual violence are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than the general population.

This connection is why awareness and action matters.

Many people who struggle with suicidal thoughts never say the words out loud. But there are often signs, and when we know what to look for, we can help create pathways to support and safety.

That’s why Brave Step is committed to building a community where no one suffers in silence and where we look out for one another.

💙 Join us May 14 for QPR Su***de Prevention Training

We’ve teamed up with Ericka Ellis-Stewart to offer QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer, a two-hour virtual training designed to help everyday people:

• Recognize warning signs of su***de
• Respond with care and confidence
• Connect someone to the help they need

No experience needed, just a willingness to show up for the people around you.

Because one conversation can save a life.

📅 May 14 | Virtual Training
🔗 Register today and help build a community of care. https://bravestep.org/qpr-su***de-prevention-training/

***dePrevention

04/12/2026

Brave Step was honored to join WBTV News to highlight Color It Blue and the importance of prevention and supporting survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 💙

Every voice, every action, every moment of awareness helps build a safer, more compassionate community.

Watch the interview and join us in coloring our community blue this April.
🔗 https://www.wbtv.com/video/2026/04/10/color-it-blue-sexual-assault-awareness/

Annual campaign starts Thursday, April 9, to support survivors.

04/11/2026

💙 One Brave Thing

Not every brave step is loud.
Sometimes, it looks like simply showing up.

One Brave Thing you can do today: Make a plan to walk, wherever you are.

Join our Virtual Walk/Run or gather with us for our in-person casual walk/run on April 25, a relaxed, welcoming opportunity to move together in support of survivors.

You don’t have to be a runner.
You don’t have to be fast.
You just have to care.

Every step helps raise awareness, support recovery and strengthen prevention efforts in our community.

👟 Walk on your own.
👟 Walk with friends.
👟 Or walk with us on April 25.

Because courage can look like movement, one step at a time. 💙

🔗 Register today and take your next brave step. https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112525/2026-brave-step-virtual-walkrun

04/10/2026

💙 National Sibling Day: A Gentle Reminder About Safety at Home

National Sibling Day is often a time to celebrate connection, laughter and lifelong bonds.

It’s also an opportunity to remember that safety conversations belong inside families, too.

Sibling sexual abuse is one of the most under-recognized forms of abuse — often misunderstood as curiosity, rivalry or typical sibling behavior. But when boundaries are crossed or power is misused, harm can occur, even within the family.

Prevention starts with awareness.

Ways to support safety and prevention at home:
• Teach children the correct names for body parts
• Talk openly about body boundaries and consent
• Make it clear that secrets about touching are never okay
• Set clear expectations about privacy and personal space
• Encourage children to speak up if something feels confusing or uncomfortable

These conversations may feel difficult, but they are powerful acts of protection.

Because prevention begins with honest conversations, even within the families we love most.

04/07/2026

Education Is Prevention: Responding to Triggers

Once we understand what triggers are, the next step is knowing how to respond with care.

You don’t need perfect words.
You don’t need to fix the moment.

Often, the most powerful response is staying calm, present and respectful of boundaries.

Whether supporting yourself or someone else, small actions — patience, listening and compassion — can make a meaningful difference.

Because understanding leads to compassion…
and compassion supports growth. 💙