Brooke Golden, YWCA of Greater Portland
We are thrilled to recognize Brooke Golden as our Free Spirit for the fourth quarter of 2024! Brooke is the Co-Director of Survivor Services at YWCA of Greater Portland, where she dedicates her life’s work to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. With over 20 years in social work, she brings expertise and compassion to her role, advocating for survivors across Multnomah County.
Brooke began her journey with YWCA in 2018 as a Peer Support Advocate, drawn to the organization for its commitment to racial equity and anti-racist practices. She quickly proved herself a dedicated advocate, working closely with survivors from shelters to encampments. Today, Brooke leads YWCA’s Survivor Services program with a trauma-informed and person-centered approach, offering survivors a safe space to regain their voices and begin the healing process.
Under Brooke’s leadership, YWCA’s domestic violence housing program has grown to include the state’s only transitional housing program specifically for survivors of domestic violence and their children—a transformative resource she helped develop and ensure exceeded expectations in its first year. Her advocacy work also extends beyond YWCA: last year, she joined a team of advocates to successfully petition the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners to increase funding for domestic violence resources, demonstrating her commitment to securing the resources survivors need for safe, stable futures.
Brooke’s passion for this work is deeply personal. She combines her own lived experiences with formal training as a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate and Peer Wellness Specialist, creating a unique approach that empowers and supports every survivor she serves. Her coworkers speak highly of her ability to connect on a profound level with survivors, acknowledging that her leadership and empathy make her an irreplaceable force within the YWCA and the broader community.
Outside of work, Brooke continues her journey of growth and self-care, often with a book in hand. Inspired by authors like Ejeris Dixon and Tricia Hersey, she is passionate about challenging norms around rest, resilience, and healing. Originally from Boston and an alumna of Virginia Union University, Brooke shares her life with her husband and their two dogs, Kim Kardashian and Rose Royce.
Join us in honoring Brooke’s incredible contributions to her community. This quarter, a portion of the proceeds from our Persephone's Potion Mixer Kit will support YWCA’s essential services for survivors in Portland. We look forward to sharing more on Brooke’s impactful work throughout the season—raise a glass to this inspiring Free Spirit!