Embrave is a non-profit organization that provides shelter and support services to women, children, transgendered, two spirited and non-binary survivors of violence. The organization also plays a leadership role in convening other organizations in the sector and advocating for system change and public awareness.

Embrave, formerly known as Interim Place, needed to shift away from false and dated perceptions of being just a shelter serving only women and their children experiencing domestic abuse and in need of temporary support. Instead, they wanted to reflect their role as a more permanent and inclusive organization, supporting and empowering any marginalized survivors of both individualized or systemic violence. The organization is also an active leader in the sector spearheading policy change, collaboration, advocacy and education.

As part of the renaming and rebranding process, we helped to reposition the organization and engaged staff, survivors of violence, community members, partners, donors and the board of directors. Engagement was conducted through in-person workshops (prior to COVID-19), digital workshops, telephone interviews, surveys and presentations. Stakeholders were involved throughout the process from discussions and brainstorming activities through to the evaluation of the proposed names and visual identity.

The final selection, Embrave, symbolizes the bravery of survivors and the process of empowerment and agency in one’s own life. “Agency to End Violence” acts as both a descriptor for the more evocative name and carries a double meaning — an organization with a vision to end violence and having agency as an individual to live a life free from violence. We also created a full visual identity to pair with the new name, including a new website. Additionally, we facilitated brand story discussions and assisted with the name and brand launch communication strategy.

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naming
branding
logo and visual identity
messaging
brand guidelines
illustration and iconography
stationery
signage
communications toolkit
outreach materials
website design and development

embrave.ca