Be Brave Bridge Media Release
Edmonton, AB, July 7, 2020 – Little Warriors is in desperate need of funding for their new Be Brave Bridge program. The comprehensive online program was created to tackle the growing waiting list of kids and families impacted by child sexual abuse and in need of support. However, $1 million in funding is needed to successfully launch the program.
Every year Little Warriors’ Be Brave Ranch welcomes nearly 100 sexually abused children and teens from across Canada. But with the number of kids waiting to receive support services rising—particularly with the Ranch shutting down due to COVID-19 safety measures—the need for additional support became very apparent.
“Right now, children are stuck at home making them more vulnerable than ever,” says Founder and Board Chair, Glori Meldrum. “The urgency to get these children immediate support is critical.”
This urgency led the Little Warriors Clinical Team to develop the Be Brave Bridge. This online program connects specialized counsellors and therapists with children, teens and parents impacted by child sexual abuse who might not otherwise receive timely mental health support. Dr. Wanda Polzin, the Clinical Director at the Be Brave Ranch says the program will offer similar evidence-based trauma treatment that’s provided at the Ranch.
“We’ve taken the insights used at the Be Brave Ranch and embedded them into the Be Brave Bridge program. All of the information provided has been carefully researched, and offers the most effective interventions and strategies.”
Meldrum hopes Be Brave Bridge will become part of an ongoing program to help children and youth before they come to the Be Brave Ranch. However, to make this possible, funding is necessary. Right now, a generous Little Warriors supporter has offered to match donations up to $250,000.00. “Every service we offer exists because of the ongoing support from the communities we serve,” she says. “We’re praying this generosity will extend to the Be Brave Bridge program so we can provide the crucial support many child sexual abuse survivors and their families desperately need.”
Donations can be made to support the Be Brave Bridge online at littlewarriors.ca. Learn more about the Be Brave Bridge here.
About Little Warriors:
Little Warriors is a national, charitable organization focused on the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. Glori Meldrum founded Little Warriors in August 2005, inspired to help all children who had been sexually abused because of her own experience as a child sexual abuse survivor.
About the Be Brave Ranch:
The Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch by Ray LaBonte and Family is a specialized, intensive, trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment centre focused on helping children who have been sexually abused, as well as their families. Learn more here.
Media Contact:
Mary Anne Nguyen
E: maryanne@littlewarriors.ca
P: 780-660-8396