The nation’s first rape crisis center is closing

After more than five decades of groundbreaking service, BRAVE Bay Area—formerly Bay Area Women Against Rape (BAWAR)—has announced it will cease operations by September 30, 2025. Founded in 1971, the Oakland-based organization was the first rape crisis center in the United States, offering 24-hour support services, survivor advocacy, and community education long before such services were commonplace.

At the helm of this historic institution is Leah Kimble‑Price, Executive Director and 2023 Women of Color LeadStrong alum from LeaderSpring Center. Leah’s leadership has embodied the spirit of the LeadStrong program—deeply community-rooted, survivor-centered, and committed to equity. Her work has not only advanced BRAVE’s mission but also redefined what resilient, compassionate leadership can look like in the nonprofit and social justice sectors.

In a heartfelt announcement, Leah and Board Chair Karen Schoonmaker shared that the decision to close comes amid severe federal funding cuts and ongoing staffing challenges. Federal grants currently account for 92% of BRAVE’s operating budget, and those resources have drastically dwindled in recent years. Additionally, the lasting impact of the pandemic and the rising cost of labor have made sustaining services increasingly untenable.

Still, Leah is clear: this is not a story of failure. “We are not disappearing. We are making room,” she emphasized. The organization plans to transition its core services to trusted partner agencies and ensure that survivors continue to receive care. BRAVE will also scale down to limited weekday services before its official closure this fall.

As the organization prepares to pass the torch, Leah’s leadership reminds us of the profound ripple effect that bold women of color leaders have across movements and communities. Her vision and unwavering commitment reflect the values that LeaderSpring Center seeks to cultivate and uplift through our Women of Color LeadStrong Fellowship.

BRAVE’s closure marks the end of an era—but also a powerful reminder of how community care, visionary leadership, and sustainable advocacy must be continuously nurtured and supported.

Learn more about BRAVE: https://bawar.org/