THE BLACK HEALING COLLECTIVE

WHO ARE WE:

the Black healing collective (BHC) is a sanctuary for Black women and femmes, offering a holistic approach to healing through community care, therapy, rent assistance, and wellness programs. our mission is to dismantle the systemic barriers that harm Black women and femmes, especially those underserved by welfare systems, and to foster spaces of healing, restoration, and radical self-love.

since 2014, BHC’s founder brianne patrice cash has been committed to addressing the often overlooked struggles that Black women and femmes face within our healthcare and welfare systems, with a particular emphasis on mothers, sexual assault survivors, and victims of domestic violence.

now with the Shattered Silence campaign, BHC seeks to create safe spaces for Black women and femmes to step away from harmful welfare systems designed without their benefit in mind. by providing vital support and access to resources such as rent and therapy, we aim to create an ecosystem where healing and survival go hand in hand, empowering individuals to reprioritize themselves and break cycles of systemic neglect.

ABOUT SHATTERED SILENCE:

shattered silence is dedicated to addressing the intersectional struggles faced by Black women and femmes, particularly those who are single or under-supported mothers, survivors of sexual assault, and victims of domestic violence. our campaign aims to bring attention to these experiences that are often interconnected and compounded by racial disparities in both the family policing system, such as the Child Protection System (CPS), and aid systems that frequently overlook, deny, and neglect the experiences of Black women.

being poor is not criminal. and neither is being Black. or woman.

in the welfare system, there's a promise of benevolence, yet in reality, it operates more like a surveillance apparatus. Black women and their families are unfairly targeted, often labeled as neglectful merely because they lack adequate resources, and not because they lack love or care for their children. the very promise of assistance frequently converts into denial, prolonging their struggle and exacerbating their hardships. this systemic flaw perpetuates a deeply ingrained injustice where poverty and mental health issues are criminalized, leading to the removal of children under the guise of 'protection'.

we must address the glaring shortcomings of this system, especially its discriminatory effects on black women and families. the weaponization of child protective services (cps) is a harsh truth that must not be overlooked. this ongoing abuse of power causes lasting harm, tearing apart families and communities. while it's vital to protect children, it's equally important to create a fairer approach that distinguishes between neglect and true need.

now is the time to confront the deep-seated racial bias within the family policing system. by acknowledging these systemic injustices and pushing for change, we can build a future where all families receive the support they need without the threat of unjust oversight or intervention. join us in this critical dialogue and collective action to dismantle the oppressive structures that uphold racial inequality in welfare and child protection systems.

read: brianne patrice's motherhood journey shows why we should un-romanticize maternity

our goal is to create safe spaces for Black women and femmes to step away from harmful welfare systems that were not designed for our benefit or advancement. by offering access to essential services and support, the Collective serves as an ecosystem where black women can invest in and reprioritize themselves, fostering sustainable healing and growth both individually and communally.

we aim to provide Black women and femmes with the tools they need to become more active and capable participants in their healing journey—breaking the cycle of choosing between their healing and their survival.

OUR APPROACH:

the Black healing collective will provide annual housing and mental health support to 5 grantees, through rent assistance, 1:1 therapy sessions, resources, and programming. 

• rent and therapy support (6-12 months): providing financial assistance for rent and access to therapy helps Black women stabilize their living conditions and mental health, creating a foundation for healing and growth.
• connection to resources: connecting Black women to essential resources, such as legal aid, ensures they have the necessary tools to support their well-being and progress.
• dedicated programming: offering specialized programs focused on skill development, education, and personal growth empowers black women to pursue their goals and build a sustainable future.
• career and life investment: with a stable foundation and the right tools, Black women can actively invest in their career and life plans, fostering long-term success and fulfillment.

additionally, this past June, BHC launched femme forward, a free support group for Black women and femmes, led by licensed therapists. we've already provided 20+ hours of group counseling and look forward to offering even more.

WHAT THE FUND COVERS:

• Every $150 donation provides 1 hour of therapy for a Black woman or femme
• Every $3,000 donation covers one month of rent assistance, ensuring safe housing for a Black woman or femme.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER:

brianne patrice cash is the visionary behind The Black Healing Collective, a non-profit committed to advocating for Black women and femmes—especially single mothers, sexual assault survivors, and domestic violence victims. she also founded TWENTY NINE THIRTY, a restorative community that bridges sensuality, healing, and wellness, and is the author of the upcoming book, Holy and Whore: Erotic Embodiment as a Means to Overcome Narcissistic Abuse (2025).

since 2014, brianne has been an unwavering advocate for women’s rights, focusing on the intersection of womanhood, Blackness, mental health, and wellness. her work has appeared in XoNecole, Keys Soulcare, Essence, and other outlets, and she is actively redefining access to healing resources for Black women and femmes.