Hope Is a Phone Call Away: What BRASS, Inc. Does — and Why It Matters

Watts Up with Bowling Green | Winlectric  |  Episode: Behind the Mission: BRASS and the Fight for Survivors  |  Featuring Tori Henninger, CEO, BRASS, Inc.

We recently had the privilege of sharing our story when BRASS, Inc. CEO Tori Henninger sat down with Sean Willis from Watts Up with Bowling Green Winlectric for a podcast conversation that turned into something truly special. What started as a chance to talk about what BRASS, Inc. does every day became one of the most open, heartfelt conversations we’ve had about this work.

We talked about hope. About healing. About what it really means to show up for survivors — and what it means when a community shows up for us. We’re sharing some of the highlights here:

BRASS, Inc. Is Built on Hope

When people hear “domestic violence shelter,” the feelings that come up are usually heavy ones. And we get it. This work carries weight. But here’s something our CEO Tori Henninger said during the conversation that we want everyone to hear:

“People aren’t reaching out to us because they’ve lost hope. People are reaching out because they’ve found hope.” — Tori Henninger

That’s the heartbeat of everything we do at BRASS, Inc. Every service we offer — our 24/7 emergency shelter, our around-the-clock crisis line, our housing programs, our advocacy — is rooted in that truth. Every single person who picks up the phone or walks through our doors is already taking a step toward something better. They’ve decided that a different life is possible. Our job is to meet them there.

We’re Not Here to Save You. We’re Here to Support You.

One of the most meaningful moments in the conversation came from Sean, when he shared that a close friend of his daughter’s had come through BRASS, Inc.’s programs, and the way he described it stopped us in our tracks: “BRASS, Inc. gave her her life back.”

That’s it. That’s exactly it.

We’re not in the business of changing people or telling survivors what their lives should look like on the other side. What we are here to do is believe you, empower you, and support you — in that order, every time, no exceptions.

“Abuse is about taking away a person’s ability to have power and control in their life. Our job is to allow a person the opportunity to regain that power and control.” — Tori Henninger

That’s the framework for everything at BRASS, Inc. We believe you first. We help you see that you have options — that there is a box, and you can get out of it. And then we support you through whatever path you choose, even when it’s not the path we might have chosen. Because you are the expert on your own survival. We’re just here to walk alongside you.

The Crisis Line Belongs to You

A lot of people don’t know this, so we want to say it clearly: calling our crisis line doesn’t require you to give us anything you’re not ready to give.

You don’t have to give us your name. You don’t have to share your address. You don’t have to share details about your situation that you’re not comfortable sharing. You decide when to call. You decide how long you stay on the line. You decide what you tell us. We can share information, resources, and referrals without knowing a single identifying detail about you — because that’s how it should be.

There’s so much shame and guilt wrapped up in reaching out for help. Survivors often wonder: Will they judge me? Will they believe me? The answer at BRASS, Inc. is always the same: yes, we believe you, and no, we will never judge you. Our crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — because we know that crisis doesn’t keep business hours.

1-800-928-1183. Save it. Share it. Use it.

Let’s Change the Question

One of the things Tori is most passionate about — and one of the things our whole team feels strongly about — is shifting the conversation around survivor behavior. The question “Why don’t they just leave?” comes up all the time, and Tori was direct about why it’s the wrong one:

“That’s very victim-blaming. It puts pressure on a person that doesn’t need to be there. The real question is: why do people abuse?” — Tori Henninger

Isolation is one of the most powerful tools an abuser has. Over time, survivors can find themselves cut off from the friends, family, and community members who would otherwise be in their corner. By the time someone reaches out to BRASS, Inc., they may feel like there’s no one left. We want our community to know: we are always here. We are the connection that stays, no matter what.

If someone in your life is in a difficult situation and you don’t know what to do — call us. We’ll help you figure out how to help them.

Here’s How You Can Help

BRASS, Inc. is essentially running a large household around the clock. On any given night, we have 35 to 40 people in our emergency shelter and around 60 families in our housing programs. That’s a lot of people with a lot of everyday needs — and our community makes it possible to meet them.

Here’s how you can make a difference right now:

• Know the number: 1-800-928-1183. Available 24/7, 365. The single most important thing you can do is know this number and share it.

• Give financially: Monetary donations allow BRASS, Inc. to direct resources where they’re needed most, quickly and efficiently. Give at brassinc.org/donate or Text BRASS to 243725

• Donate goods: Cleaning supplies, personal care items, and a variety of non-perishable foods are always appreciated. Shop our Amazon Wish List here or call 270-781-9334 to arrange a donation drop off.

• Spread the word: Share this post. Share our crisis line. The more people in our community who know BRASS, Inc. exists, the more lives we can reach.

We are so grateful to Sean and the Watts Up with Bowling Green/Winlectric team for making space for this conversation. If you haven’t listened to the full episode yet, we hope you will — and we hope you’ll share it with someone who needs to hear it.

And if that someone is you: we’re here. We believe you. Call us anytime at 1-800-928-1183, or visit us at brassinc.org.