This Is My Brave CharMeck brings people from the community to share their stories of resilience live on stage. A collaborative of the Mecklenburg County Public Health divisions: Office of Violence Prevention and ReCAST II (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) and other community partners, this creative endeavor is a unique way to share stories of resilience in mental health, substance use disorder, and healing from community violence.  

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As part of She Dreams In Color Foundation's mission to destigmatize mental health needs and seeking care, She Dreams In Color Foundation joined the This Is My Brave CharMeck collective in 2024 to bring "The Show" to Charlotte. As program partners and volunteers, we are proud to support the Storytellers in their journey of sharing their Brave stories which deeply impact those who hear them. Our organization oversees the public surveys and data collection to measure impact of these productions.

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The This Is My Brave show model is research-proven to reduce mental health stigma by the STAR (Stigma Action Research) Lab at the University of South Florida. The national movement brings awareness to mental health needs, substance use disorder, and the hope of recovery after community violence. 

 

Community members with lived experience share their stories of hope on a live stage through artistic expression such as essay reading, spoken word poetry, original music, dance, and other creative methods.  It is a platform for individuals to share their stories of living with a mental health diagnosis and sharing hope, empowerment, and healing through artful expressions.

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Storytelling saves lives. 

                                                                      Watch all four of our shows!