An outreach initiative of the Social Work Program at Auburn University, BraveHeart Programs strives to enhance and elevate the lives of persons with disabilities facing moderate to severe cognitive and communication challenges and their families through intentional health, wellness and community inclusion activities.
BraveHeart Programs offer high-impact learning opportunities for Auburn students from all majors. Our student volunteers represent 57 different majors among 10 colleges. Since 2016, we've had over 750 student volunteers with more than 58,000 community services hours.
Our Programs
BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose
Established in 2016, BraveHeart Center for Place and Purpose, or BCPP, is a unique health and wellness inclusion-based day program for adults with developmental disabilities. BCPP seeks to transform society’s response to individuals with disabilities by cultivating compassion, connection and community. Through activities designed to enhance social and cognitive skills, creativity and self-esteem, BCPP creates a safe place where individuals feel a sense of belonging and purpose.
BCPP serves as an established best practice AU Student Professional Training Site. Students who volunteer with BCPP develop skills to become effective professionals and citizens with a greater awareness of, and capacity to include, persons with disabilities. Signature BCPP activities include daily wellness walks, BCPP biannual photo exhibit and annual Warm Hearts Blanket Drive.
BCPP is a partnership between the Social Work Program at Auburn University and First Presbyterian Church of Auburn. BCPP programming is offered Tuesday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, fall and spring semesters.
Expressions of a BraveHeart
For more than a decade, our award-winning Expressions of a BraveHeart, or simply BraveHearts, has provided fine arts classes to children ages 11-21 with disabilities. Through the exploration of art, music and theatre, participants develop their social skills, celebrate their talent and enhance their sense of belonging.
BraveHearts engages Auburn University students in an opportunity to expand their learning beyond the classroom. Student volunteers develop an understanding of the strengths, needs and abilities of individuals with special needs.
BraveHearts is a partnership between the Social Work Program at Auburn University and the Opelika SportsPlex. BraveHearts meets on Monday evenings during fall and spring semesters.