A Quarter Blue

A Quarter Blue’s (AQB) creates pathways toward resilience and restoration for crime survivors, their families, and their communities.

A Quarter Blue (AQB) was born from both heartbreak and hope. The name reflects a painful truth: one in four children will be “left blue” by the trauma of sexual abuse. The blue ribbon, a national symbol of child abuse prevention, reminds us of both the reality of abuse and our responsibility to protect and restore.

Founded in 2003 by survivor Martha Wade, AQB began as a movement to break the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse. By sharing her own story, Martha gave voice to the voiceless and inspired countless survivors to pursue healing. What started as prevention education soon revealed a deeper need—families were not only seeking awareness, but also compassionate, professional support to rebuild their lives.

In 2007, AQB became a nonprofit to expand its reach. Over time, support groups, art-healing programs, and low- to no-cost therapy services were added to ensure that financial hardship would never stand in the way of healing. As the needs of the community grew, so did AQB. In 2018, we expanded to serve survivors of all violent crimes, establishing the AQB Trauma Recovery Center.

Today, AQB walks alongside children, teens, adults, and families impacted by sexual abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, gun violence, homicide, and other violent crimes. As a state-recognized Trauma Recovery Center since 2021, we provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care to those navigating unimaginable pain.

At AQB, we believe healing is possible. We are committed to Reaching those in crisis, Restoring lives through compassionate care, Refueling those who serve, and Reducing violence through prevention and education.

Because when trauma leaves someone blue, healing can restore hope—and you make that possible.

When the State's Victim Compensation Board eliminated 100% of funding for six Trauma Recovery Centers—cutting 65% of A Quarter Blue’s budget—our community stepped in. Because of faithful donor support, healing did not stop.

In 2025, your generosity made the following possible:

161 crime survivors received care through 2,326 trauma-informed therapy sessions

48 clients successfully completed treatment, experiencing significant symptom reduction and renewed stability

92 individuals received emergency assistance, positively impacting 250 family members

17 trainings, 26 collaborative partnerships, and 26 outreach events strengthened prevention efforts and community safety

When critical funding was lost, donor support ensured that survivors of abuse and violent crime still had access to therapy, advocacy, and hope. Donors' investments protected lifesaving services and preserved a pathway to healing for the most vulnerable in our communities.

To sustain and expand trauma-informed services for survivors of crime, A Quarter Blue (AQB) seeks support in the following priority areas:

$829,000 annually – Qualified, trauma-informed therapeutic staff and crime prevention specialists is critical to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality trauma therapy for survivors of violent crime.

$40,200 annually – Emergency Assistance: In alignment with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, survivors must have basic needs—food, shelter, clothing, and medical care—met before they can fully engage in therapy and healing. Emergency funds provide immediate stabilization to prevent homelessness and further victimization.

$5,500 one-time – Day of the Thriver Conference: Funding will support food, honorariums, and materials for this restorative community event designed to empower survivors and celebrate resilience.

$5,600 one-time – Orange International Street Fair (Children’s Booth): The Orange International Street Fair provides a high-impact opportunity to protect children and support survivors through prevention education and community engagement. Funding will support interactive activities, free crime prevention resources, and meaningful outreach conversations with the thousands of families who visit AQB’s booth during this three-day community event. This event strengthens public awareness, reduces stigma, and connects survivors to critical healing resources.

$3,000 one-time – Financial Audit: AQB seeks funding to conduct an independent financial audit to strengthen organizational transparency and fiscal accountability. Completing a formal audit will enhance AQB’s financial health, increase funder confidence, and open opportunities to apply for larger public and private grant funding that requires audited financial statements.

Together, these investments ensure that survivors not only access therapy, but also achieve safety, stability, and long-term healing.

A Quarter Blue (AQB) is centrally located in Orange, California, with convenient access to the 55, 22, 57, and 5 freeways, allowing crime survivors to easily reach our offices from neighboring cities and counties. Our location was intentionally selected in a safe, low-crime area to ensure clients feel secure and supported while receiving services.

80% of AQB's clients in 2025 lived in Orange County. With the expansion of telehealth services, AQB now provides therapy statewide across California, increasing access to care for survivors in underserved and rural communities. Additionally, AQB offers educational trainings nationally and internationally, extending our prevention and trauma-informed care expertise beyond local boundaries.

“One of AQB’s clients once asked me how I persevered after so much loss. As I paused to reflect on the loss of my childhood innocence at the hands of a seasoned offender—and later, the heartbreaking death of my 18-year-old son—I realized that I made a choice: resilience over resentment.

When my abuse became public, I could have remained trapped in the question, ‘Why me?’ Instead, I committed to my own healing. That commitment led to transparency, advocacy, and a deep desire to ensure that no survivor feels alone in their pain.

What began as my personal journey toward wholeness has grown into A Quarter Blue—a place where survivors of sexual assault and other violent crimes are encouraged, empowered, and reminded that healing is possible. Through perseverance and faith, AQB continues to expand its impact so that hope can rise where trauma once lived.”

“For years, I was the primary face and voice of AQB. Our Board has thoughtfully wrestled with how to share the heart of AQB’s work while fiercely protecting the identities of the clients we serve. Much of what we do is often spoken about in hushed tones. Healing takes time. For that reason, we have waited to share stories until clients have moved from victim to survivor to victor—demonstrating lasting transformation.

AQB is now developing impact videos that document lives changed through our services, while carefully preserving client confidentiality. Through community events, we creatively and personally share our mission, ensuring survivors know they are not alone. We also continue to seek dynamic partnerships with grantmakers, businesses, and individuals who believe in the power of healing.”
— Martha Wade, Board Chair

“I carry a deep compassion for innocent children who face the immense challenge of healing from crimes committed against them through no fault of their own. The specialized trauma training required to effectively serve these children is rarely provided in traditional university programs, leaving that responsibility to AQB. The therapeutic partnership necessary for meaningful healing extends far beyond academic preparation. Securing donor investment in advanced clinical training for our staff remains both essential and an ongoing challenge.”
— Reen Bula, Board Vice Chair