Founder, Martha Nix Wade's childhood was interrupted due to years of sexual abuse by her parents' closest friends. All of this trauma occurred at the same time she was building a name for herself as a child actor on The Waltons, Days of Our Lives, and many other television shows. Her autobiography, My Secret Life: A Truthful Look at a Child Actor's Victory Over Sexual Abuse, details why she started a non-profit to protect children and empower victims of violent, interpersonal crimes.
A Quarter Blue began in 2003 as a for-profit organization. However, AQB became a 501 (c) (3) effective March 28, 2007.
Since originally A Quarter Blue focused on stopping child abuse through education and referring victims of childhood molestation to local resources, therefore the name reflects the original mission. A QUARTER of children will be left BLUE from the trauma of sexual abuse. However, education is the key to prevention and early intervention is the key to restoration. Blue is the ribbon for child abuse prevention.
Gradually AQB broadened its scope of impact. And in 2021, AQB became an official Trauma Recovery Center in the State of California. Currently the US has 52 trauma recover centers. In California there are 22, AQB’s Trauma Recovery Center is the only trauma recovery center in Orange County. This comprehensive assistance model focuses on removing barriers to health and stability, healing communities, and interrupting the cycles of violence with free, safe, personalized, and supportive services. It’s a one-stop shop that offers survivor-centered care. This model of care was developed to provide comprehensive, high quality, effective mental health services to survivors of violent crime from underserved populations, many of whom faced insurmountable barriers to connecting with support services after victimization. (The UC San Francisco Trauma Recovery Center Manual: A Model for Removing Barriers to Care and Transforming Services for Survivors of Violent Crime)
In addition, AQB's Education & Training Services offers education to enlighten families how to protect & empower children through seminars and distribution of AQB resources. AQB also trains professionals in best-practices for serving victims of crime.
“While I wouldn’t wish sexual assault on anyone, I am grateful I had a team of people around me who helped me heal, so that I can encourage and empower others to fight the good fight. They are not alone; healing is definitely possible!.”
Martha is the Executive Director and Founder of A Quarter Blue. She authored My Secret Life: A Truthf
“While I wouldn’t wish sexual assault on anyone, I am grateful I had a team of people around me who helped me heal, so that I can encourage and empower others to fight the good fight. They are not alone; healing is definitely possible!.”
Martha is the Executive Director and Founder of A Quarter Blue. She authored My Secret Life: A Truthful Look at a Child Actor’s Victory over Sexual Abuse, which details her journey from victim to victor. Martha speaks throughout the world on developing healthier and safer communities. Book available in AQB's Shop.
"The AQB's mission is dear to my heart. As both a nurse caring for people in immediate trauma and victims of crime in the acute phases and in the aftermath, I've witnessed the deterioration of people who did not benefit from appropriate recovery interventions: PTSD, Anxiety, Depression,
Drug and alcohol addiction, Suicide, Prostitution, H
"The AQB's mission is dear to my heart. As both a nurse caring for people in immediate trauma and victims of crime in the acute phases and in the aftermath, I've witnessed the deterioration of people who did not benefit from appropriate recovery interventions: PTSD, Anxiety, Depression,
Drug and alcohol addiction, Suicide, Prostitution, Homicide and Homelessness to name a few of the deleterious effects suffered by victims of childhood abuses, of all kinds, as well as those who witnessed
criminal activity in their environments. I recognize it is extremely important to both offer recovery solutions and train more therapists in this specialized field of therapy." Reen had a successful career as a Registered Nurse since 1989, She is California Certified in Critical Care and Emergency /Trauma, in addition to being a Certified Chemotherapy Nurse, Oncology.
"A Quarter Blue is a unique trauma center focused on survivors of crimes. It began as a program for Children and adults survivors of sexual abuse and has been expanded to include all crimes against those least able to protect themselves. We are determined to break the silence surrounding violent and domestic crime, protecting the identiti
"A Quarter Blue is a unique trauma center focused on survivors of crimes. It began as a program for Children and adults survivors of sexual abuse and has been expanded to include all crimes against those least able to protect themselves. We are determined to break the silence surrounding violent and domestic crime, protecting the identities of individuals involved in our programs, and allowing them to be freed from the stigma of the trauma to concentrate on the processes of healing."
Wayne Brazil, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist of 25 years, is A Quarter Blue’s Substitute Supervisor and former supervisor for five years. He is the Clinic Director of G. Wayne Brazil and Associates, Counselors and Consultants with offices in Tustin and Orange. Wayne taught at Hope International University. He is a former business executive and business owner. He developed a psycho-therapeutic approach called Metaphorical Parts Work. He is also an artist, musician, published award winning poet and author.
“I believe in how AQB helps so many in need and am proud to be a part of this organization.”
Dawn is A Quarter Blue’s Secretary and assists with the grant writing. She worked for the United States District Court in Los Angeles for almost 30 years. The majority of the time she worked in Supervision and the last four years she was a Judi
“I believe in how AQB helps so many in need and am proud to be a part of this organization.”
Dawn is A Quarter Blue’s Secretary and assists with the grant writing. She worked for the United States District Court in Los Angeles for almost 30 years. The majority of the time she worked in Supervision and the last four years she was a Judicial Assistant to a Federal Judge. She retired from the court in December of 2019. She is a member of the Federal Court Clerk’s Association.
"In my teen years, I decided that I wanted to use my abilities to make a difference in others' lives. That is why I committed to teaching, and why I continue to volunteer for AQB. I am grateful to be involved with an organization that helps children who are in need of healing and support."
Chanté holds a Master's degree in English from Ca
"In my teen years, I decided that I wanted to use my abilities to make a difference in others' lives. That is why I committed to teaching, and why I continue to volunteer for AQB. I am grateful to be involved with an organization that helps children who are in need of healing and support."
Chanté holds a Master's degree in English from California State University Long Beach. She has taught college composition, tutored language arts to children, and worked as an assistant editor for a magazine company. When not reading, writing, or teaching, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and discovering amazing films.
"I am honored to partner with A Quarter Blue. I’ve known the Wade family (Founders of AQB) since I was in high school. Over the past 10 years they’ve shown me nothing but love, support, and kindness....My truest passion is in the mentoring, coaching, and development of young professionals. Partnering with AQB will allow me to use the pro
"I am honored to partner with A Quarter Blue. I’ve known the Wade family (Founders of AQB) since I was in high school. Over the past 10 years they’ve shown me nothing but love, support, and kindness....My truest passion is in the mentoring, coaching, and development of young professionals. Partnering with AQB will allow me to use the professional skills I’ve developed now over half a decade to further positively impact the next generation of leaders in the world. I can think of no better opportunity to give back to my community and to serve others. AQB’s mission of providing care, guidance, and support to children in need aligns with my personal core values and goals and I cannot say enough how grateful I am to have the opportunity to help further the organization’s goals."
Anthony is a sales and marketing manager and sales development coach in Newport Beach, CA. He has worked independently with Vector Marketing over the last six years. He is the eldest of four and the son of a proud and strong mother.. He is currently an assistant coach for a high school basketball team.
"There is no greater Joy than serving others AQB embodies pure service to others."
Catherine is a real estate agent and broker, with Walter K. Bowman Real Estate. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. She currently serves on the Pacific West Association of Realtors Grievance Committee, past Pres
"There is no greater Joy than serving others AQB embodies pure service to others."
Catherine is a real estate agent and broker, with Walter K. Bowman Real Estate. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. She currently serves on the Pacific West Association of Realtors Grievance Committee, past President, Secretary of Kiwanis of Cypress, Secretary of Cypress Festival Association, member of Soroptimist, and recipient of PTA Golden Oak.
"I joined the AQB Board to volunteer my time and experience to assist those who have dedicated their lives and service in order to bring hope and recovery to trauma victims and their families."
Retired Police Captain Dave Nichols comes to AQB with over 33 years of law enforcement experience with the Orange Police Department. Dave was als
"I joined the AQB Board to volunteer my time and experience to assist those who have dedicated their lives and service in order to bring hope and recovery to trauma victims and their families."
Retired Police Captain Dave Nichols comes to AQB with over 33 years of law enforcement experience with the Orange Police Department. Dave was also a board member for the Mental Health Association of Orange County for several years. After retirement, Dave served as an interim captain with the City of Laguna Beach in 2022 and 2023. He is also an instructor for Golden West College and their Supervisory Course. Dave has been married for 26 years to his wife Stephanie who is a captain with the Tustin Police Department. They have four children, two sets of twins. In his spare time, Dave enjoys spending time in the gym and coaching his daughter’s travel softball team.
“I choose to be vulnerable about my past and present; and desire to use my personal knowledge and experiences to help others cope and heal. I will help protect children with truths that I did not grasp.”
BA in Dance- UCLA
Master's of Arts in Intercultural Studies- Biola University
Teaching Credential - Whittier College
Former Actress
Private Public & Public Educator
Former Director of Drama, Dance, & Missions
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