Courageous Women Association, Inc.

The Courage House Transitional home is now just days away from the possible threat with closure just looming over us with no help in sight. Help us raise just $10,000 needed to keep our women housed another few months while we work around the clock to secure grant funding from the City of Oakland and other funders. We can't risk our women and children being displaced or going back into violent environments.

If 100 people gave only $100, we can meet our goal before the March 1st deadline, or we will be forced to leave our home. Help us save our home or our families will be forced back on the streets, or worse, back into violent situations.

Meet Marie, one of the beautiful and newest graduates of the Courage House Transitional home program. A butterfly who has transformed and we are so blessed to have been a part of her healing and rediscovery. Marie first came to us as an alum of our Career Development and Economic Empowerment Program in 2019. Soon life happened and she entered our transitional home program having to make the necessary changes and receive the support and tools needed to help her become fully self-sufficient. She found hope and meaning again and a new sense of self-worth.

In her own words, Marie says: “Being a d.v survivor, not only did I learn to put words to my feelings, I started to forgive myself and learn that my past didn't have to no longer DEFINE ME. Toshonna would speak life into me and with that I was able to transform my mindset to become a better : woman and mother. Moving into the Courage House was a blessing for myself and my son. It was affordable, safe and a nonjudgmental environment I was able to continue my healing journey. Living with other survivors continued to encourage me to heal and use my voice because you never know who your story is helping. The weekly meetings although sometimes hard because I didn't want to dig deep, was well needed and appreciated, having different facilitators was empowering to hear their stories and know if they can move past their pain and live successfully, SO CAN I. I also gained the knowledge of how important it is to take care of me, focus on me, love on me, and develop habits and be intentional with everything I do and say. Once I received my notice that I was approved for housing, Toshonna was very supportive and made sure I had everything in order to prepare for that move. I truly believe Toshonna is living in her purpose: Her heart is truly in her work. She is patient, loving, Considerate, and intentional. I look forward to continuing to attend the meetings at the courageous house… Ms. Marie B.

Stories like Marie’s are what make the greatest impact on the work we do to keep women safe and help them heal from violent environments. This is why we must keep the Courage House going. Without your ongoing support, we will continue to be close to the threat of closing our doors forcing our residents back into dangerous situations. Help us to continue providing a safe place where survivors can come to heal and be supported.