What Is Courage To Act and How Does It Work?

Courage To Act: Breaking The Silence (CTA) is a free 12-month recovery and growth program operated by the GOT CONNECTIONS Foundation. It was built for young women, ages 17 to 30, who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault.

The program is completely free. No insurance, no income requirements, no waitlist fees. If you qualify, you are in.

Every participant moves through four stages at their own pace:

Heal: Trauma-informed therapy, support groups, and wellness practices. This is where participants begin processing their experiences in a safe, structured environment with licensed clinicians.

Strengthen: Financial literacy, resume building, interview prep, and a $1,000 savings-match micro-grant. 98% of abusive relationships involve financial abuse, so rebuilding economic independence is critical.

Rise: Goal setting, education access, and personal development. Participants identify what they want their future to look like and start building toward it.

Lead: Mentorship training, advocacy skills, and public speaking. Graduates become peer mentors and community leaders, creating a cycle of support.

The program serves women ages 17 to 30 who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or abusive relationships. Foster care alumni and college students at risk are also eligible. Priority is given to low and moderate income applicants, but no one is turned away based on income.

Applications are confidential. You can apply at ctabts.org/apply or have someone make a referral on your behalf at ctabts.org/refer.

Most programs focus on crisis intervention. CTA goes further. The 12-month structure means participants are not rushed through a checklist. They have time to heal, build skills, set goals, and develop leadership abilities.

The program was designed by survivors, advocates, and licensed professionals. That combination of lived experience and clinical expertise is what makes it work.