Philanthropy Friday: BRAVO
Unfortunately, hate crimes, discrimination, violence, threats and intimidation are real issues for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Communities. In 1996, BRAVO was created to provide support and be a safe haven. BRAVO works to eliminate violence perpetrated on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identification, domestic violence and sexual assault through prevention, education, advocacy, violence documentation and survivor services, both within and on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities.
BRAVO is a bridge from the community to the Columbus Police Department, and the respectful relationship that the two now enjoy is due in large part to the organization’s efforts. The team at BRAVO has helped many through the most difficult times of their lives.
Survivor Services
This past year, BRAVO assisted more than 300 clients; providing critical services such as crisis intervention, courtroom advocacy, emergency housing, and support services. In addition to client services, BRAVO does extensive training and prevention education in not only the LGBT community, but also with various service providers and law enforcement around the State of Ohio, including every recruit class for the Columbus Division of Police. This focus on community education has been a mainstay of BRAVO’s philosophy and continues to be an effective tool in prevention efforts.
In addition to the hate crimes initiative, BRAVO has a parallel track of client services, prevention and training focusing on domestic violence in the LGBT communities. Intimate partner abuse occurs in approximately 25% of all relationships including those of LGBT people. Leaving an abusive relationship is difficult. The process is made worse when there are not shelters to provide housing, welcoming groups and appropriate services to lend a helping hand. BRAVO is able to help bridge that service gap.
BRAVO serves LGBT crime victims by:
- Reporting and documenting hate crimes;
- Supporting domestic violence victims inside the LGBT community;
- Supporting sexual assault survivors;
- Assisting victims who want to work with the police;
- Accompanying and advocating for victims in court settings;
- Serving as advocates in hospital settings;
- Developing safety plans with victims;
- Providing emergency housing;
- Support groups for Domestic Violence survivors.
Supporting BRAVO
You can support BRAVO by volunteering, by joining them at community events, by making an on-line donation at Network For Good or even by shopping online at igive.com.
BRAVO has many types of volunteer opportunities. Their HelpLine volunteers receive comprehensive training to assist LGBT crime victims, providing advocacy and support. They also have a monthly Volunteer Night (2nd Monday of each month) where they prepare outreach materials (such as our Safety Whistles) educational materials, while eating pizza and having some social time. Volunteers can also help with office tasks during the daytime. Coming up, BRAVO needs volunteers for “Team BRAVO” at Pride events throughout the month of June.
If you would like to receive a volunteer application, please contact the BRAVO office at 614 294 STOP (7867) or email: Gary Heath, Program Coordinator gary@bravo-ohio.org.
Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?
BRAVO’s major fundraising event Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner is May 1, 2010. An evening of fine dining, premier homes and engaging conversation: Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner? offers an intimate dining experience with 8 - 10 individuals in a private home. A touch of intrigue rounds out the appeal as the mystery of where and with whom guests will dine will unfold that evening at the opening reception. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.
For more information on BRAVO visit www.bravo-ohio.org or become a Facebook friend of BRAVO.
For a behind the scenes letter from someone touched by BRAVO and to view their in-kind wish list visit www.inkindconnection.com.
Philanthropy Friday is a feature article by Michele Savoldi that highlights a Columbus area nonprofit organization every other week. . For more nonprofit information follow Michele on Twitter at @cbusimpressions and @inkindconnect.
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