Today we’d like to introduce you to Neisha Simpson.
Hi Neisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and hold Bachelor’s in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Fisk University. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Tennessee State University.
As a young girl, I witnessed domestic violence and unfortunately experienced sexual assault later in her college years. This tragic experience empowered me to give victims a voice, a choice, and a chance to reclaim their power and control.
Since middle school, I have been an active advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence. I have walked for those individuals who lost their lives, helped individuals find their voice, and most importantly, watched victims turn into resilient survivors.
Thanks to my internship at the Jean Crow Advocacy and my domestic violence advocate role at Legal Aid Society, My passion for domestic and sexual violence grew, and I began to ask myself and God, “What more can I do?”. “In addition to the wonderful services that are available, what else could I bring to the table, to help survivors thrive?”
That’s how I developed Breakaway. I envision Breakaway to help victims heal with holistic interventions and preventions in mind and help provide skills that help heal the mind, body, and spirit.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a successful nonprofit is no easy task. I started this journey in November of 2021. The easy part was obtaining a 501c3 status, creating the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, paying fees, and gathering board members.
It was not until I was told that our ONLY funding source could not provide our start-up funds that things became complicated. This was very disheartening but eye-opening. At that moment, I learned the true meaning of “not putting all your eggs in one basket.”
As I began to seek other funding sources, I quickly figured out that you can have an idea that everyone loves, but if you do not have the solvency to back up your passion and mission, it is just that…. an idea. But has a new nonprofit, how are we supposed to that? So we had to go back to the drawing board.
Although we have had a minor setback, I have an understanding board and some community partners that are willing to help provide solutions and continue to believe in the mission of Breakaway.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As previously stated, I am currently a doctoral student at Tennessee State University. I am pursuing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. That is my full-time job. I also work PRN (as needed) at The Next Door- a women’s substance abuse rehab.
I am also a volunteer for the Sexual Assault Center as a Medical Accompaniment, and I am a member of the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence and TN Coalition to end domestic and sexual violence. I am most proud of the resiliency and strength I have demonstrated and try to pass along to my clients, patients, friends, and family.
A few things set Breakaway from other domestic violence and sexual assault organizations: 1. Our mission is to serve all persons who have been victims or survivors of sexual assault 2. Our research-based programs look to heal the mind, body, and spirit of a survivor 3. Our founder and Executive Director is an African American woman.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking to me is taking a leap of faith or walking out on faith. If you never take a leap of faith, you are saying that “I can handle things better than my higher power.” However, I believe you can not grow and expand if you are afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
I have walked by faith throughout my 26 years of living, whether leaving home- my family and friends to attend Fisk University, jumping off cliffs into the water, or starting a nonprofit organization.
There is no perfect time or place to do that. But, you cannot allow fear of failure to stop you from starting that next project, showing and sharing your work, or even changing a habit. One of my favorite quotes from the great Muhammad Ali is, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Contact Info:
- Email: breakaway@breakawayeip.org
- Website: www.breakawayeip.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakaway.eip/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakaway.eip
