We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Neisha Simpson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Neisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Having a dream and a vision about something you are passionate about, was the easy part of the journey that I was preparing to embark upon. Little did I know about the trials and tribulations that were ahead. Because I had a passion, the vision, the proposal, and the board- I believed that everything would be smooth sailing. I also believed that people would believe and be passionate about my vision as I did. I was wrong.
After several challenging trials and plenty of no’s, I met with Mayoral candidate Sharon Hurt, who spoke life into myself and Break Away, and most importantly, she listened. She told me, and I will never forget this- “Keep telling people about your organization. You will eventually come across someone who will listen.” This was a defining moment for Break Away because our passion was accepted. We were heard. Our vision was heard. Our mission was heard. We came to her seeking advice and left with an opportunity.
Neisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Neisha Simpson, and I have the founder and Executive Director of Break Away. I am also a doctoral candidate at Tennessee State University- Counseling Psychology program.
Being a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, I became an active advocate for victims at an early age. My experiences have empowered me to continue to help victims find their voices and a choice/resources to reclaim power and control of their lives. My passion for domestic violence continued to manifest thanks to my internship at the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center and my role as a domestic violence advocate at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. I walked for those whose lives were taken, joined several committees, and watched victims turn into resilient survivors.
In addition to the excellent resources, I began to ask myself, “What more can I do?” “Where are the gaps in services? Because it’s taking seven times for women to leave a domestic violence relationship.” I studied and researched those gaps: and envisioned Break Away to help victims heal with holistic interventions and preventions in mind and give them the resources to stay survivors. And to provide skills that rehabilitate mind, body, and spirit.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Before going into the journey of resilience- I would like to thank my board. If hadn’t been for my board believing in Break Away, its vision and mission, I would not have continued my dream of making Break Away possible.
We were told no, we were given empty promises, and we told “you are new”- so we cannot provide you with funds. I soon became discouraged- but not defeated. , because this is my passion my dream. I turned to my board and asked for help. They gave me the encouragement and solutions to obstacles that were put in our path.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
We are currently attempting to establish our reputation as a new organization. We provide psychoeducation on mental health and intimate partner violence relationships during outreach activities. We are also members of organizations that share our vision and beliefs when it comes to supporting victims and survivors of intimate partner violence.
Please follow us on social media and visit our website as we expand and serve our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eipbreakaway.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakaway.eip/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakaway.eip/
- Twitter: BreakawayEip