A Brave First Step

At Brave First Step, our mission is to provide for the urgent needs of those in harmful domestic situations by connecting them with resources and sanctuary, as well as to work within communities to develop new or enhance existing programs already in place.

In this country each day, there are an average of 20 people per minute who are physically abused by an intimate partner. In a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. For every case reported, hundreds go on silently.

Domestic abuse is not only physical. It can be verbal and emotional. Some of these invisible scars can last for a lifetime. Abuse of another’s affection, devotion, trust, and dependence is intolerable. Period.

Together, and only together, can we form a network of warriors who will offer shelter, safety, and hope to a generation of future warriors who will raise their children to be compassionate, loving, strong, and resilient men and women.

Will you help? Will you find within your comfort level the means to contribute either time or resources? Can I count you in the tribe of warriors who are ready to do battle on behalf of someone in need? You’d be amazed at how the smallest gesture, a phone call, an e-mail, or just a hug can make the difference in someone’s decision to make a leap of faith. Your words may be the catalyst in helping stop a cycle of abuse and neglect.

If you are hurting, we will not let you fall. We will not turn away. We will show you the path to freedom if you’ll only take that brave first step.

I believe in you.

For questions about how you can give or receive help, reach us at

Email: abravefirststep@gmail.com
Venmo: @BraveFirstStep

In this country each day, there are an average of 20 people per minute who are physically abused by an intimate partner. In a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. For every case reported, hundreds go on silently.

Domestic abuse is not only physical. It can be verbal and emotional. Some of these invisible scars can last for a lifetime. Abuse of another’s affection, devotion, trust, and dependence is intolerable. Period.

Together, and only together, can we form a network of warriors who will offer shelter, safety, and hope to a generation of future warriors who will raise their children to be compassionate, loving, strong, and resilient men and women.

Will you help? Will you find within your comfort level the means to contribute either time or resources? Can I count you in the tribe of warriors who are ready to do battle on behalf of someone in need? You’d be amazed at how the smallest gesture, a phone call, an e-mail, or just a hug can make the difference in someone’s decision to make a leap of faith. Your words may be the catalyst in helping stop a cycle of abuse and neglect.

If you are hurting, we will not let you fall. We will not turn away. We will show you the path to freedom if you’ll only take that brave first step.

I believe in you.

For questions about how you can give or receive help, reach us at

Email: abravefirststep@gmail.com
Venmo: @BraveFirstStep

From Broken To Badass; A Journey to my Brave First Step

Is the autobiography of Cindy Bell Gerhardt.  These heartfelt pages contain her story….one of love, music, abuse, struggle and redemption. It’s a journey through a young girl’s life, full of dashed dreams and disastrous decisions, each chapter pulling you toward a powerful ending.

For those who have experienced abuse—or know someone who has—From Broken to Badass can help those who suffer find the courage to unmask the brokenness . . . and uncover the warrior inside.

Available now on Amazon
From Broken to Badass: The Journey to My Brave First Step