Our Board
Who We Are
Founder | CEO | President
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Mrs. Charise M. Brown-Torres was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She started this organization when she, her wife & their young daughter moved to Delaware at the beginning of the pandemic, which caused her to put the organization on hold due to lack of resources and support.
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Despite the struggles of the pandemic, Charise was determined to push forward and create Pushing Through Inc. at the end of 2022. She saw this as an opportunity to help others who had gone through similar traumatic experiences, as she had dealt with several traumatic instances such as depression, post-partum, suicidal ideations, domestic violence and the loss of her twins in 2014.
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The formation of Pushing Through, Inc. was an embodiment of Charise's strength and resilience in pushing through the toughest of times. She understands how difficult it can be when faced with traumatic experiences, which is why she created Pushing Through, Inc. to help those who are struggling. This organization offers a wide range of resources and support services to those in need, such as mental health counseling, support groups, online resources, and more. With Charise's leadership and her team's dedication, Pushing Through, Inc.'s plan is to help many individuals to push through and heal from their traumatic experiences.
Secretary | Intake Coordinator
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Mrs. Cassandra Wilson I don't look like what I've been through. It's only by the grace of God I'm even here to tell my story. I am so grateful for the opportunity. I was homeless at 15 because of physical and sexual abuse. I survived. I was on drugs by 18. I survived. I was in an abusive relationship. I survived. I was a teenage mother. I survived. I have Bipolar/Anxiety disorder but am finding a way to Live My Best Life.
To rap it all up, I died on November 16, 1999. I was 28 years old. I'm alive today, because God has a plan for me. At the time I needed resources there were none readily available. I had to search out, ask questions and not give up till I found what worked for me. All this, while healing from 3rd degree burns over 45% of my body, also alone. It was lonely, hard, at times felt I was fighting a loosing battle. I refused to give in, I just continued to fight until I found the help I needed.
I want to make that part of the process easier. I want to help do the leg work so anyone that needs our help knows they are not fighting alone. We will stand for them, until they can stand for themselves. I didn't have that. I want to be that. This is why I joined Pushing Through Inc.
Resource Coordinator of PA
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Mrs. Latoya Johnson Having faced the challenges of depression and many traumatic experiences including witnessing a friend commit suicide in front of my eyes, I'm deeply committed to mental health advocacy. My personal experiences drive my involvement in this nonprofit, where I aim to use my journey to break down the stigma around mental health. By sharing my story, I hope to provide tangible support and illuminate the path to recovery for others. As part of Pushing Through, Inc., I want to ensure that those facing similar struggles find solace, resources, and a supportive community. Ultimately, my mission is to contribute to a more understanding and compassionate approach to mental health issues.
Youth ​Coordinator of DE
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Mrs. Tangie Samuels I am Brooklyn born and raised, a sister, wife, mother of 3, grandmother of 4, published author, event planner, aunt, niece and a Queen, that now reside in DE for over 20 years. I am a people person that attracts positive vibes everywhere I go. My volunteering efforts expand from the east coast to the west coast. I’m dedicated and committed to serving others in my community. Mentoring and spreading the love, warms my heart and motivates me to keep serving. My passion for the youth, is my why in joining PTI. All too often we hear, “I didn’t have a dad”, “My mom left me”, “I’m a foster child” and “no one loves me”, “I have no family”. Tangie says, “There’s just something about having living, but absent parents”, this is a lot of folk's stories and what gives an extra drive to step in and help mold today’s youth. Tangie’s partnerships and relationships she’s formed will assist Pushing Through Inc. in serving the youth from DE and PA.
Event & Volunteer Coordinator of DE​
Mrs. Delica Posey I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and now reside in Delaware. I'm a wife, dog mom, sister and friend. I love being around people and giving a helping hand.Mental health is so important, and a lot of people don't realize it. I'm here to help our mental health community by joining this nonprofit organization to help educate and uplift others. I want to let others know there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Youth Coordinator of PA
Ms. Talisha Thomas Growing up, I was always taught that children were to be seen and not heard. We were expected to not have an opinion. As an adult, having 5 God children I saw to it to sit them down and just inquire about the way they feel. I was a safe space for them to vent to freely. Now as a mother of two, I try to give my son a chance to express himself. As the youth coordinator I immediately felt like I could be a great resource for the youth coming up in the world at this time. I look forward to doing work with the youth going forward.
Be Kind!
For Everyone You Meet Is Fighting
A Battle You Know Nothing About.