Face Behind the Mask
Face Behind the Mask
Face Behind the Mask
Pathways to Safety, Stability, and Empowerment
Every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered. We walk alongside survivors and vulnerable individuals by providing compassionate advocacy, life-changing resources, and opportunities to build a brighter future.
Our Story
About Us
Face Behind the Mask was created out of a simple, urgent belief: that everyone carries a story the world doesn't always see, and everyone deserves a safe place to set that story down. We started as a small group of advocates and survivors who were tired of watching people fall through the cracks between crisis and stability — and we built the organization we wished had existed for us.
Today, we serve individuals and families navigating domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, homelessness, and crisis of every kind. Our vision is a community where safety is not a privilege but a guarantee — where every person who has survived the unimaginable has a real, sustainable path to stability, healing, and self-determined power over their own future.
Dignity First
Every interaction honors a person's autonomy, privacy, and right to be believed.
Trauma-Informed
Our staff are trained to recognize trauma and respond with patience, not judgment.
Radical Compassion
We meet people exactly where they are — no conditions, no exceptions.
Lasting Empowerment
We build toward independence, not dependency, one milestone at a time.
Our Approach
A trauma-informed commitment to dignity and respect
- Every survivor's pace and choices are respected — we never rush healing.
- Confidential, judgment-free spaces for every conversation.
- Culturally responsive care that reflects the community we serve.
- Staff trained in trauma-informed, survivor-centered practice.
- Every plan is built with the individual, never for them.
Meet the Founder
Pastor Brekalia Whelbo Cooper Kabah
Founder & Executive Director of Face Behind the Mask
“Your past may explain your story, but it does not determine your destiny. God can transform your pain into purpose, your ashes into beauty, and your testimony into someone else's breakthrough.”
Pastor Brekalia Whelbo Cooper Kabah is an inspiring woman of faith, visionary leader, author, humanitarian, social worker, wife, and devoted mother whose life is a living testimony of God's grace, restoration, and purpose. Born and raised in Liberia, she immigrated to the United States with a dream of building a better future for herself and her family. Through perseverance, unwavering faith, and determination, she transformed life's greatest trials into a platform for hope and healing.
Pastor Brekalia is the Founder and Executive Director of Face Behind the Mask, a nonprofit organization established to transform, impact, and empower victims and survivors of abuse, neglect, rejection, and other life-altering challenges. The vision for the organization was born from her own personal journey. Having experienced rejection, shame, abandonment, and emotional pain, she refused to allow her past to define her future — instead choosing to turn her wounds into wisdom and her pain into purpose. Her powerful testimony continues to inspire countless individuals to remove the masks they wear, embrace healing, and rediscover their God-given identity.
She is also the author and publisher of the inspirational book, Her Face Behind the Mask, where she courageously shares her personal story of resilience, faith, and restoration — encouraging readers to overcome adversity, confront hidden pain, and walk confidently in the freedom that God has prepared for them.
Driven by a passion for advancing the Kingdom of God, Pastor Brekalia founded House of Light International Ministry, where she serves as Senior Pastor. Under her leadership, the ministry is committed to preaching the uncompromised Word of God, raising disciples, restoring broken lives, and bringing hope to individuals and families through prayer, evangelism, and compassionate outreach.
In addition to her ministry and nonprofit work, Pastor Brekalia has faithfully served as a professional social worker for over five years, advocating for vulnerable individuals and families with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Her professional experience, combined with her personal testimony, uniquely equips her to minister to those navigating trauma, abuse, and life's many challenges.
Above all, Pastor Brekalia treasures her role as a loving wife and devoted mother. Today, she is recognized as a transformational leader, motivational speaker, mentor, and advocate whose mission is to inspire hope, restore dignity, and empower people to rise above their circumstances.
What We Offer
Our Programs
Six areas of support designed to move someone from crisis to lasting stability.
Crisis Advocacy
- Safety Planning
- Emergency Assistance
- Case Management
Housing Stability
- Emergency Shelter Referrals
- Transitional Housing
- Homeless Prevention
Survivor Empowerment
- Support Groups
- Counseling Referrals
- Peer Mentorship
Education
- Healthy Relationships
- Domestic Violence Awareness
- Human Trafficking Prevention
- Community Workshops
Workforce Development
- Resume Assistance
- Interview Preparation
- Job Readiness
- Career Coaching
Financial Empowerment
- Budgeting
- Financial Literacy
- Credit Education
- Savings Planning
Every Story Welcome
Who We Serve
Face Behind the Mask supports a wide range of individuals and families through survivor-centered, individualized care.
Domestic Violence Survivors
Safety planning, advocacy, and a confidential path out of harm.
Human Trafficking Survivors
Specialized, trauma-informed support for recovery and independence.
Sexual Assault Survivors
Compassionate advocacy and referrals to counseling and legal support.
Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Shelter referrals, prevention resources, and housing navigation.
Families in Crisis
Whole-family case management and stabilization support.
Youth
Age-appropriate education, mentorship, and early intervention.
Veterans
Tailored resources connecting service and support to lasting stability.
Returning Citizens
Workforce, housing, and community reentry support.
Help Right Now
Resources
Free, downloadable resources and immediate hotlines. If you are in danger right now, please call 911.
In Their Words
Success Stories
Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those we serve.
Face Behind the Mask helped me rebuild my confidence and secure stable housing. Today I have hope again.
I walked in not knowing if I'd ever feel safe again. My advocate never once made me feel rushed or judged.
The workforce program gave me my first interview in years — and my first paycheck in even longer.
Join Us
Get Involved
Whatever time or resources you can give, there's a place for you at Face Behind the Mask.
Become a Volunteer
Give your time in a way that matches your skills and schedule.
Partner With Us
We build lasting partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to survivors.
Fuel Our Mission
Donate
Every gift moves someone closer to safety, stability, and a future they choose for themselves.
Face Behind the Mask is a registered nonprofit organization. Your donation may be tax-deductible.
Save the Date
Upcoming Events
Community Workshop
Recognizing the Signs: Healthy Relationships 101
An open, judgment-free session for community members of all ages.
Awareness Walk
Steps to Safety Community Walk
Join survivors, families, and neighbors in a walk to raise awareness and funds.
Fundraiser
Face Behind the Mask Gala & Auction
An evening celebrating survivor resilience, with proceeds funding direct services.
Volunteer Orientation
New Volunteer Orientation & Training
Everything you need to start volunteering with confidence and care.
News & Blog
Stories, Updates, and Resources
Awareness
Recognizing Domestic Violence Beyond the Physical
Understanding emotional, financial, and psychological abuse.
Prevention
Human Trafficking: What Every Community Should Know
Warning signs, prevention strategies, and how to report concerns safely.
Survivor Stories
Rebuilding After Crisis: One Family's Journey
A family's path from emergency shelter to a home of their own.
Community Events
Highlights from the Spring Awareness Walk
Thank you to everyone who joined us this season.
Resource Updates
New Legal Aid Partners Now Available
Expanded pro-bono legal support now open to program participants.
Financial Empowerment
Five Budgeting Habits That Build Real Stability
Simple, sustainable money habits from our financial empowerment coaches.
We're Here
Contact Us
Reach out for services, volunteering, partnerships, or general questions. If this is an emergency, please call 911.