Hold space. Heal gently.
About
My name is Karah, and I’m the founder of OpenArms Sanctuary, a heart-centered space for healing, connection, and growth. I wanted to create something beautiful out of my trauma. Where people could come to feel seen, supported, and part of something meaningful. Through stories, resources, and community care, I wanted to create a sanctuary for transformation and belonging. It’s for those who feel like pieces of themselves are missing and are looking to fix it, who had bad childhoods, have been abused sexually or mentally or emotionally or verbally etc, who had to learn how to be an adult or homeowner on their own, who’ve been in a room full of people and still felt alone, who have passion and drive to do more for themselves but have no belief in themselves or support from others, who need to vent, need advice, need support, validation, to be heard and seen, to be acknowledged that they exist, to unleash trauma where maybe a therapist is out of reach money wise, who need somewhere to go when they don’t know how to balance a check book or understand what home equity is or when they want just to share that they got a raise and promotion or they got the house, or getting married. A friend, confidant, a safe place, a Google for questions, if only over a computer screen. A hug from someone who cares, who has been there, if only a virtual one.
Story
I’ve walked through grief, shame, and trauma—but I’m no longer silent about it. My life has taught me that healing isn’t about pretending things didn’t happen; it’s about honoring the journey, finding self-love, and moving forward with strength.
My childhood held both joy and heartbreak. I lost my Grandma—my favorite person—to kidney failure when I was 15. Her death cracked open a grief that felt too heavy to carry, and I struggled to cope. For years, I hurt in silence. When my Papa passed in 2016, it left me vulnerable to emotional abuse from my mother, a narcissist whose manipulation shaped much of my young adult life. I finally moved out in 2022 after years of surviving, not living.
After losing my Papa, I adopted Layla—a pitbull mix who became one of my heartstrings. She was more than a pet; she was my comfort, my companion, my everything. Then in February 2021, I welcomed Nala, an energetic 8-week-old husky mix from my Aunt. But in October 2024, I lost Layla to diabetes after eight beautiful years together. My heart still cries and bleeds for her. She loved me unconditionally at a time when I struggled to love myself. Losing her broke me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. My mental health spiraled deeper than it had in years. If I hadn’t still had Nala to care for—my sweet, loyal girl who isn’t even five yet—I honestly don’t know if I’d still be here. She gives me a reason to wake up, to keep going, to choose life even when it hurts.
College wasn’t easy, either. After transferring schools, I earned my degree in Criminal Justice—but that path also included trauma. During my freshman year, I was raped by someone I met online. It took time, therapy, and courage to name it, own it, and let go of the shame that wasn’t mine to carry. I’ve lost loved ones, battled burnout, and faced years of emotional strain in jobs that left me depleted.
Now, I choose to transform my pain into purpose. OpenArms Sanctuary is born out of my truth. It’s not religious—it’s spiritual. It’s a place for growth, healing, and connection. A place for souls to feel heard, seen, and loved. If you’ve ever felt alone, broken, or silenced, this space is for you.
-Karah Broaddus
Founder of OpenArms
Values
Listening
Listening without judgement is a balm.
Lifting each other
Through softness, validation, and belonging.
Join Us
When you feel ready reach out
Values
Listening
Listening without judgment is a balm.
Lifting each other
Through softness, validation, and belonging.
Showing up as we are
Unpolished, uncertain, and human.
Believing in beyond
Healling that is redtfess. and inherent.