Brave Step

Growth often begins with one brave step, and sometimes, that step becomes a movement that helps others grow.

In the Grow Healthy, Help People Podcast by Accordus, Brave Step Executive Director Crystal Emerick shares her journey from survivor to nonprofit leader and the heart behind Brave Step’s mission to support survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.

The conversation explores:
💙 The power of survivor-centered support
💙 Building community through recovery and advocacy
💙 The challenges and growth of nonprofit leadership
💙 The vision for creating safer, healthier communities

We’re grateful for opportunities to share not only the work of Brave Step, but the hope, resilience and transformation that continue to emerge through this community every day.

🎧 Tune in and listen to the conversation. https://youtu.be/HKg_fpgHzAU?si=jhEnd6OJV3VnYj80

Crystal Emerick: Transforming Trauma into Triumph with Brave Step In this episode, Crystal Emerick from Brave Step shares her inspiring journey from survivor to nonprofit leader, focusing on supporting sexual trauma survivo...

💙 Voices of Change 💙

Recovery does not happen in isolation. Sometimes, it begins when survivors find a space where they are seen, understood and no longer carrying their story alone.

One participant recently shared this reflection about Brave Step’s group therapy experience.

We are continually reminded that the journey to wellbeing is strengthened through community, courage and the willingness to show up authentically for one another. To every survivor doing the hard work: we see you and your voice matters. 💙

✨ One Brave Thing Friday ✨

What if your next brave step was stepping into leadership?

Volunteering with Brave Step is more than giving your time. It’s helping create spaces of recovery, hope and connection for survivors, loved ones and our community. Whether you love building relationships, planning events, leading groups or serving behind the scenes, there’s a place for you here.

Current opportunities include:
💙 Peer Leader
💙 Board of Directors
💙 Meat Fest Committee Member

You never know how your voice, experience or presence could help someone feel less alone.

Interested in learning more? We’d love to connect with you. Reach out to [email protected].

We are deeply honored to share that Brave Step has been recognized in Acquisition International’s Non-Profit Organization Awards 2026 as:

🏆 Most Impactful Survivor Support & Advocacy Program 2026 – North Carolina

This recognition belongs to every survivor who has trusted us with their story, every supporter who has stood beside us and every advocate helping create a world where recovery, hope and justice are possible.

At Brave Step, we believe survivors deserve more than awareness. They deserve compassionate support, community, advocacy and pathways toward wellbeing. We remain committed to walking alongside survivors and loved ones every step of the journey.

Thank you for believing in this mission and helping us continue this work across North Carolina and beyond. 💙

💙 Voices of Change: Sharon Jordan

Over the years, Sharon Jordan has grown alongside Brave Step, not only in her own journey but in the ways, she continues to show up for others.

Now serving as Brave Step’s new Peer Leader Liaison, Sharon is helping strengthen one of the most meaningful parts of our community: survivor-led peer support.

Peer groups remind survivors they are not alone. They create space for connection, understanding, recovery and hope, and behind those spaces are peer leaders who listen deeply, encourage courage and help others feel seen.

In her new role, Sharon will help support and encourage those leaders as they continue walking alongside survivors.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that growth can turn into leadership and that survivors themselves often become some of the strongest sources of hope and connection for others.

We’re grateful for Sharon, her heart for this work and the compassion she brings to our Brave Step community. 💙

This Memorial Day, we honor those who served and recognize that some carry invisible wounds long after their service ends.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) impacts service members and veterans of all genders and backgrounds, often affecting mental health, relationships, trust, and overall well-being. Many survivors carry these experiences in silence.

Support matters.

By listening, believing, and creating safe spaces for recovery, we can help survivors know they are not alone.

At Brave Step, we remain committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence — military and non-military alike — with compassion, education, and community.

One Brave Thing: Staying Connected.

Growth and support do not have to end when a group ends.

For past Loved Ones group participants, our Loved Ones Alumni Support Group offers a continued space for connection, encouragement and community with others who understand the journey of supporting someone impacted by trauma or sexual violence.

This virtual group meets once a month and is open to prior Loved Ones participants who want to stay connected and continue growing alongside others.

Sometimes one brave thing is simply showing back up.

For more information, contact [email protected].