Hereford High senior creates 'Bravery Bags' for domestic abuse survivors at GBMC

The go-bags provide essential toiletries and comfort for victims arriving at the hospital's safe suite.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A softly blurred, abstract photograph in warm, earthy tones depicting a woman's hands gently holding a small toiletry bag, conveying the comfort and care provided by the 'Bravery Bags' for domestic abuse survivors.The 'Bravery Bags' created by a Hereford High student provide essential toiletries and a sense of dignity for domestic abuse survivors seeking care at GBMC.Baltimore Today

A Hereford High School senior named Karolina Minasyan has created 'Bravery Bags' filled with toiletries and other essential items for women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault and seek help at the GBMC hospital's SAFE Domestic Violence and Child Protection Program. Minasyan raised funds, assembled the bags with her Scout troop, and delivered them to the hospital's safe suite, where victims can receive free and confidential care.

Why it matters

Domestic violence and sexual assault victims often arrive at hospitals with only the clothes on their backs, so having access to basic necessities like toothpaste, shampoo, and pads can provide a sense of dignity and comfort during a traumatic time. Minasyan's project helps ensure these essential items are available to support survivors as they begin the healing process.

The details

Minasyan, a Hereford High School senior, was inspired to create the 'Bravery Bags' as part of her effort to become an Eagle Scout. After learning about the SAFE Program at GBMC, which treats victims of sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, and intimate partner violence, she decided to focus her Eagle Scout project on supporting these survivors. Minasyan raised around $500 from the community to purchase toiletries and other supplies, then assembled 150 bags with the help of her Scout troop. The bags, which include items like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and pads, are now available in the hospital's safe suite for victims to use.

  • Minasyan joined the Scouts in 8th grade.
  • In 10th grade, she was working towards becoming an Eagle Scout.
  • After seeing a presentation about the SAFE Program, she decided to make the 'Bravery Bags' her Eagle Scout project.

The players

Karolina Minasyan

A Hereford High School senior who created the 'Bravery Bags' for domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors as her Eagle Scout project.

GBMC's SAFE Domestic Violence and Child Protection Program

A program at GBMC hospital that provides free and confidential care for victims of sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, and intimate partner violence, as well as child physical and sexual abuse.

Kelly Truax

A representative of GBMC's SAFE Domestic Violence and Child Protection Program.

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What they’re saying

“We knew that we don't want to do these exams up in the emergency department. We want our patients to feel safe. We want to create a soothing environment.”

— Kelly Truax, Representative of GBMC's SAFE Domestic Violence and Child Protection Program

“Every patient that comes in, if they need a bag, if they need some toiletries, we're able to offer that to them and we're able to offer it to children as well.”

— Kelly Truax, Representative of GBMC's SAFE Domestic Violence and Child Protection Program

“I knew I wanted to give back to women some way as a woman scouting, and scouting was not allowed for women until 2019. It's something that I really wanted to do and give back to my community and focus my efforts into that.”

— Karolina Minasyan

“So, my hope is that every person who comes and receives a bag like this and, you know, any resources from the SAFE program is to allow them to feel a little bit more dignity within themselves and also just feel like this is not the end of the road for them and that there are better things and a light coming in their room.”

— Karolina Minasyan

What’s next

Minasyan is now an Eagle Scout, and she hopes the 'Bravery Bags' will continue to provide comfort and support to domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors who seek help at GBMC's SAFE program.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Minasyan's thoughtful approach to supporting survivors with essential items reflects a deep understanding of the challenges they face and a commitment to restoring their dignity during a traumatic time.