This Is My Brave Case for Support

A CASE FOR SUPPORT

Table Of
Contents
The Problem
03
Our Story
04
Programs & Approach
Programming
Impact
05
06
07
Testimonials
08
Financials
10
How You Can Support
11
Thank You
14

2022 Dancers in the College Edition at the University of South Florida
T H E P R O B L E M
According to SAMHSA, every year, over 46 million
people experience a mental illness, and 46.3 million
people face substance use conditions.
Nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness did not receive
treatment in the previous year.
Suicide takes the lives of over 47,511 Americans every
year.
10.3% of Americans have thought about suicide.
90% of those who die by suicide have an underlying
mental illness at the time of their death.
Serious mental illness costs in the U.S. amount to $193.2
billion in lost earnings per year.
Each year, an
estimated
46 Million
adults
experience
mental illness
The world is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, exacerbated by factors such as
societal pressures, economic uncertainty, and the lingering effects of a global pandemic.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions affect one in four people
worldwide, making it a critical public health concern. To address these conditions and the stigma
associated with them, we offer our platform for virtual and live shows in which ordinary people
share their extraordinary stories of recovery to offer hope and let others know they are not
alone.
3

2019 DeKalb IL Cast
O U R S T O R Y
This Is My Brave was co-founded by
Anne-Marie Ames (1967-2017) and
Jennifer Marshall in 2014. Jennifer’s
experience as the writer of the blog
entitled “Bipolar Mom Life” led to the
creation of This Is My Brave. Out of fear
of stigma, Jennifer blogged anonymously
until she was inspired by others to reveal
her true identity. Jennifer’s decision to
put her name and her face on her blog
post was celebrated and she received
many heartwarming messages of
appreciation for her transparency.
Our Mission
This Is My Brave’s mission is to end the
stigma associated with mental health and
substance use conditions using the
powerful art of storytelling. We achieve this
by producing live and virtual events in
which ordinary people share their
extraordinary stories of recovery in order to
offer hope and let others know they are not
alone.
This experience sparked the idea for This Is My Brave: Live theatrical events where individuals are
empowered to share their personal stories of hope and recovery using the performing arts to break
down stigma. The very first Brave show took place in Arlington, Virginia. The success and impact of
that event have been replicated in cities around the country ever since.
As a result, This Is My Brave is now the leading national mental health storytelling nonprofit.
4

P R O G R A M S
This Is My Brave is not only a show. It is a contact-based stigma reduction program.
(https://thisismybrave.org/research/) As we approach our tenth anniversary, This Is My
Brave is focused on expanding its impact and increasing scale to reach more audiences
through new initiatives, campaigns, and partnerships. We are committed and feel an urgency
to get more stories out into the world, heard by as many people as possible. Because every
time we do, we know stigma is reduced, minds are changed, and lives are transformed.
Something we say all the time and believe with all our hearts is “Storytelling Saves Lives.”
A P P R O A C H
Storytelling
We provide a powerful
platform for virtual and live
shows in which ordinary
people share their
extraordinary stories.
Engagement
We engage individuals and
communities to implement
change in perceptions of
mental health & substance
use conditions.
Support
We continue to support
individuals and communities
throughout our nation in
person and online.
5
Jamie Stone, 2023 Eagle Valley CO Show

This Is My Brave creates opportunities
for individuals to share their stories
on and off the stage.
On the Stage | In the Spotlight
This Is My Brave - The Show - Our flagship program of professionally
produced mental health storytelling events featuring individuals
from the community; 12 shows per year in cities across the US.
Specialized This Is My Brave Virtual Shows
TIMB Stories from the Black Community
TIMB Stories from the APIDA Community
TIMB Stories from the College Athlete Community
TIMB Stories from the Veteran Community
This Is My Brave - College Edition - College storytelling program
launched in 2019 in Boston through grants from Alkermes and
Ruderman Family Foundation; Year 2 of our College Edition featured
6 student storytellers in the Boston area, and in 2021, our Brave
Ambassador program was created and launched as a springboard to
bring more awareness of This Is My Brave to campuses across the
country through passionate student advocates.
This Is My Brave - High School Edition - Created in 2019, our high
school program features high school and college students sharing
their stories to break down stigma and educate their peers and the
adults in their lives.
OUR TURN TO TALK - A podcast for teens, the first season of which
was sponsored by Brave and features our national teen storytellers.
Available where you get your podcasts or at:
ht tps : //w w w.our t ur ntot alk .c om /
OUR TURN TO TALK - A documentary film focused on teenagers who
say they’re the generation to put an end to mental health stigma.
To do it, they’re telling their own stories – raw and unfiltered.
From skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression to the impacts
of racial and intergenerational trauma, these teens share their
struggles and triumphs and carry a powerful message: Storytelling
saves lives. [Released in Oct 2022; a production of Principle Pictures
for WETA in partnership with WellBeings.org]
BraveTV - A livestreamed series now two seasons strong - featuring
alumni storytellers and mental health experts covering mental
health topics, including COVID-19, current affairs and more.
Brave Beyond the Stage - Our virtual initiative to check in with our
Brave Alumni and see where they are today. We’re having candid
conversations to hear about their experience on the Brave stage
and beyond.
Off the Stage | One-on-One
Brave Ambassadors - Our new program for individuals to become
ground level, off the stage storytellers for This Is My Brave. We know
people have the power to influence their peers and open up the
conversation around mental health to change minds and lives at the
grassroots level.
Brave the Storm 5K - A virtual 5k in which participants are invited to
run, walk, or hike in the location of their choice and be a part of the
inspiration and movement to end the stigma around mental illness.
We invite participants to participate for reasons that are important
to them — for health, for well-being, for a loved one. Whatever their
motivation may be, all are encouraged to join us and help spread a
message of hope.
Jay Walkers - A challenge for the month of September (which is
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month) designed to break the stigma
surrounding mental health and suicide. Participants are asked to
form a team to complete 800,000 steps in 30 days to honor every
life lost worldwide each year to suicide. Start conversations about
suicide with friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to break
down the barriers that stand in the way of people getting help. Jay
Walkers are encouraged to share their own stories and let others
know it’s safe to share theirs.
6

This Is My Brave’s Impact
Since 2014, This Is My Brave has...
Produced
110
shows
with over
1000 story
tellers
18,500+
audience
members
in 53 cities
in the U.S.
& Australia
& 300k
YouTube
video views
Thus far, over 1000 stories have been shared through our live shows and more via our
digital platforms. Live shows are professionally filmed and published to our YouTube
channel: youtube.com/thisismybrave
7
2018 Houston TX Cast

T E S T I M O N I A L S
“Participating as a BRAVE cast member was a pivotal
moment in my life. I gained the courage and confidence
to share my story of surviving a suicide attempt. I
realized how healing and therapeutic it was to share my
recovery journey. Shortly after the show, I launched my
speaking career and eventually founded a non-profit.
Since my participation in my BRAVE, I have led over 200
mental health and suicide prevention talks and trainings.
Because of BRAVE, my life changed forever, and I have
been able to impact the lives of others by providing hope
and resources. I am so grateful for my BRAVE
experience. Thank you, BRAVE, for changing my life!”
-T-Kea Blackman, MPS, CPRS
2018 Arlington, VA Show
“This Is My Brave gave me the opportunity to connect
with the deaf community to provide a show called Heart
Brave... being able to stand up on stage and share my
story was powerful. I was able to relive my being with
positivity, open mind, and open heart and to be able to
share with all my confidence and to inspire others like you
and many many people in the world. I felt honored
because people were able to come to me and tell me that
they could relate. They're not the only one and I'm not
alone. Together we unite. Wow, I thank TIMB for the
opportunity to be brave and share my story and let people
know we can break the barriers. Well, this is my Brave!”
Jerald Creer - Storyteller and Producer of
This Is My Brave - Heart Truth, Stories from the Deaf
Community
8

“It’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience.
I honestly didn’t realize how much support I had
in my friends/family until the night of the show
when I saw everyone’s faces in the audience. It
has also given me much more confidence to
speak my truth and my story, and continue to do
so in the future. It has been so empowering to be
more vocal about my struggles, and to know that
I’m empowering others, too.”
Gianna Santoro, 2018 Philadelphia Show
“I think that, for me, performing on
stage gave me a sense of relief.
Keeping stuff like this bottled in you
for quite some time, it's quite painful.”
Cyril Koomsom, 2023 Penn State
Abington Show
Brandy Mimms, 2023 Deafinitely Inc Brave Show
9
“Performing in This Is My Brave was transformative. I love my fellow cast members. I got to be brave and
share my personal experience with mental illness on stage in front of 300 people. Strangers approached
me after the show to tell me that my story gave them hope. Everything about this experience has been
incredible.” -Sarah Wissig, 2019 Orlando Show

F I N A N C I A L S
Support Fees
6%
Online GIving
12%
Fundraising
21%
Grants
26.3%
Revenue
Sponsorships
34.7%
Fundraising
15.9%
Operating
12.2%
Expenses
Programmatic
71.9%
10

C R E A T E A B R A V E L E G A C Y T O D A Y !
At Brave, our mantra is "Storytelling Saves Lives." This belief drives our
commitment to sharing more Brave stories worldwide, reaching as wide an
audience as possible. Our goal is to expand our reach, making our platform
even more accessible to even more people, especially diverse communities
and individuals.
In 2024, we're embarking on an essential mission: The Legacy Campaign. This
initiative marks the launch of our new annual fund, and we warmly invite you
to join us on this transformative journey.
Mental health and substance use conditions touch everyone's lives, either
directly or indirectly. The demand for support is more pressing than ever. Our
annual fund is dedicated to establishing a robust foundation to our ongoing
mental health initiatives, ensuring that Brave will continue to have vital
resources and support. By supporting our Legacy Campaign, you're investing
in a future where mental health is a priority, stigma is eradicated, and we're
making a difference, one story at a time.
In addition to contributing to our annual fund, we are excited to offer two
ways to maximize the impact of your donation: Donor Advised Funds(DAF’s)
and Employee Matching Donations!
Your support is essential to our work, and we are grateful for your generosity.
Together, we can make a difference and create positive change. To learn more
about maximizing your gift, please visit https://thisismybrave.org/donate/.
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L E G A C Y C A M P A I G N ’ S I M P A C T
Expanding Access to Live Shows: Your contribution will help us have a broader
reach, especially within disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness: Awareness is a crucial step in
destigmatizing mental health issues. Your support will enhance our outreach
efforts and awareness campaigns: fostering understanding, compassion, and
empathy.
Creating a Lasting Impact: Joining the Legacy Campaign means you're part of a
long-term effort that will leave an enduring legacy. Your donation is more than
a gift; it's an investment in a future where hope and healing thrive. Your
generosity will resonate across generations, positively affecting individuals,
communities, and society.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 in 2024. Your generosity has been the
cornerstone of our success, and we invite you to continue your support today!
Giving Levels
$25-$499...........................Brave Supporter
$500-$999.........................Brave Friend
$1,000-$4,999..................Brave Ally
$5,000-$9,999..................Brave Advocate
$10,000-$24,999.............Brave Patron
$25,000+............................Brave Benefactor
All contributors will be recognized on a Brave donor wall on our website and in newsletters.
12

13

Danita Sims, 2022 DeKalb IL Show
T H A N K Y O U !
We appreciate all you have done to make the impactful
work of This Is My Brave possible. Thank you for being a
champion of mental health and for helping to create a
legacy of support that will empower more and more
individuals. Together, we can make a difference. We are
incredibly grateful for your generosity!
Erin Gallagher, Executive Director
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave