About BE BRAVE!
Our Mission and Vision
BE BRAVE! is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health challenges faced by Animal Welfare professionals. Our comprehensive approach emphasizes education, support, and advocacy to improve the well-being of both humans and animals involved in rescue efforts.
BE BRAVE! is founded upon the true story and journey from the darkness of mental illness of an Animal Rescuer who tragically collapsed from Severe Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, and General Anxiety Disorder commonly known in Animal Welfare as Severe Compassion Fatigue.
BE BRAVE!’s MISSION STATEMENT
No animal Rescuer should have to die because they loved animals so much, for so long. And no animal should have to suffer because the Rescuer who dedicated their life to loving, caring for, and saving critically ill and critically injured animals became mentally ill after years of selfless service in Animal Welfare.
BE BRAVE! exists to bring awareness to Compassion Fatigue, protect those who dedicate their lives to Animal Welfare, and help ensure that neither Rescuers nor the animals they love are forgotten when a Rescuer reaches a point of mental and emotional collapse.
OUR NAME: BE BRAVE!
The beautiful golden photo above is representative of BE BRAVE's Founder's first journey out of isolation in Animal Rescue, an isolation that lasted for years, when she went into a Goodwill store. Upon entering the store there was a display immediately on her left with these plagues in ascending order. Tears filled her eyes and gratitude filled her heart it felt as if God was reassuring her it would be ok , but...she would have to
BE BRAVE!
to make it through
BE BRAVE! serves as the voice of education. It is built not from academic degrees, but from the real-life journey of an Animal Rescuer—our Founder—who fought through the deepest darkness with everything she had to find her way out. Today, she shares her story to bring profound hope to others.
What is Compassion Fatigue in Animal Welfare?
While Compassion Fatigue is widely recognized in human medical professions, little is known about its devastating effects on Animal Rescuers. BE BRAVE! is breaking the silence surrounding mental health collapse, especially when an ill-informed society inflicts harsh, cruel judgments that further break those who are already struggling. We stand as a shield to stop a critical misunderstanding from costing lives, and to deter a harsh society from destroying the very people who give everything to save others.
No Animal Welfare professional should have to face suicide as their only escape when help is available.
This Website is Under Construction
Contribute to BE BRAVE! to help promote mental health awareness in Animal Welfare.
This Website is Under Construction
Contribute to BE BRAVE! to help promote mental health awareness in animal welfare. Your donation helps provide essential care, support recovery, and advance meaningful change within the community.