This Is My Brave Case for Support
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A CASE FOR SUPPORT
Table Of<br />
Contents<br />
The Problem<br />
03<br />
Our Story<br />
04<br />
Programs & Approach<br />
Programming<br />
Impact<br />
05<br />
06<br />
07<br />
Testimonials<br />
08<br />
Financials<br />
10<br />
How You Can <strong>Support</strong><br />
11<br />
Thank You<br />
14
2022 Dancers in the College Edition at the University of South Florida<br />
T H E P R O B L E M<br />
According to SAMHSA, every year, over 46 million<br />
people experience a mental illness, and 46.3 million<br />
people face substance use conditions.<br />
Nearly 60% of adults with a mental illness did not receive<br />
treatment in the previous year.<br />
Suicide takes the lives of over 47,511 Americans every<br />
year.<br />
10.3% of Americans have thought about suicide.<br />
90% of those who die by suicide have an underlying<br />
mental illness at the time of their death.<br />
Serious mental illness costs in the U.S. amount to $193.2<br />
billion in lost earnings per year.<br />
Each year, an<br />
estimated<br />
46 Million<br />
adults<br />
experience<br />
mental illness<br />
The world is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis, exacerbated by factors such as<br />
societal pressures, economic uncertainty, and the lingering effects of a global pandemic.<br />
According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions affect one in four people<br />
worldwide, making it a critical public health concern. To address these conditions and the stigma<br />
associated with them, we offer our plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> virtual and live shows in which ordinary people<br />
share their extraordinary stories of recovery to offer hope and let others know they are not<br />
alone.<br />
3
2019 DeKalb IL Cast<br />
O U R S T O R Y<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> was co-founded by<br />
Anne-Marie Ames (1967-2017) and<br />
Jennifer Marshall in 2014. Jennifer’s<br />
experience as the writer of the blog<br />
entitled “Bipolar Mom Life” led to the<br />
creation of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>. Out of fear<br />
of stigma, Jennifer blogged anonymously<br />
until she was inspired by others to reveal<br />
her true identity. Jennifer’s decision to<br />
put her name and her face on her blog<br />
post was celebrated and she received<br />
many heartwarming messages of<br />
appreciation <strong>for</strong> her transparency.<br />
Our Mission<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>’s mission is to end the<br />
stigma associated with mental health and<br />
substance use conditions using the<br />
powerful art of storytelling. We achieve this<br />
by producing live and virtual events in<br />
which ordinary people share their<br />
extraordinary stories of recovery in order to<br />
offer hope and let others know they are not<br />
alone.<br />
<strong>This</strong> experience sparked the idea <strong>for</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>: Live theatrical events where individuals are<br />
empowered to share their personal stories of hope and recovery using the per<strong>for</strong>ming arts to break<br />
down stigma. The very first <strong>Brave</strong> show took place in Arlington, Virginia. The success and impact of<br />
that event have been replicated in cities around the country ever since.<br />
As a result, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is now the leading national mental health storytelling nonprofit.<br />
4
P R O G R A M S<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is not only a show. It is a contact-based stigma reduction program.<br />
(https://thisismybrave.org/research/) As we approach our tenth anniversary, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong><br />
<strong>Brave</strong> is focused on expanding its impact and increasing scale to reach more audiences<br />
through new initiatives, campaigns, and partnerships. We are committed and feel an urgency<br />
to get more stories out into the world, heard by as many people as possible. Because every<br />
time we do, we know stigma is reduced, minds are changed, and lives are trans<strong>for</strong>med.<br />
Something we say all the time and believe with all our hearts is “Storytelling Saves Lives.”<br />
A P P R O A C H<br />
Storytelling<br />
We provide a powerful<br />
plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> virtual and live<br />
shows in which ordinary<br />
people share their<br />
extraordinary stories.<br />
Engagement<br />
We engage individuals and<br />
communities to implement<br />
change in perceptions of<br />
mental health & substance<br />
use conditions.<br />
<strong>Support</strong><br />
We continue to support<br />
individuals and communities<br />
throughout our nation in<br />
person and online.<br />
5<br />
Jamie Stone, 2023 Eagle Valley CO Show
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> creates opportunities<br />
<strong>for</strong> individuals to share their stories<br />
on and off the stage.<br />
On the Stage | In the Spotlight<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - The Show - Our flagship program of professionally<br />
produced mental health storytelling events featuring individuals<br />
from the community; 12 shows per year in cities across the US.<br />
Specialized <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> Virtual Shows<br />
TIMB Stories from the Black Community<br />
TIMB Stories from the APIDA Community<br />
TIMB Stories from the College Athlete Community<br />
TIMB Stories from the Veteran Community<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - College Edition - College storytelling program<br />
launched in 2019 in Boston through grants from Alkermes and<br />
Ruderman Family Foundation; Year 2 of our College Edition featured<br />
6 student storytellers in the Boston area, and in 2021, our <strong>Brave</strong><br />
Ambassador program was created and launched as a springboard to<br />
bring more awareness of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> to campuses across the<br />
country through passionate student advocates.<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - High School Edition - Created in 2019, our high<br />
school program features high school and college students sharing<br />
their stories to break down stigma and educate their peers and the<br />
adults in their lives.<br />
OUR TURN TO TALK - A podcast <strong>for</strong> teens, the first season of which<br />
was sponsored by <strong>Brave</strong> and features our national teen storytellers.<br />
Available where you get your podcasts or at:<br />
ht tps : //w w w.our t ur ntot alk .c om /<br />
OUR TURN TO TALK - A documentary film focused on teenagers who<br />
say they’re the generation to put an end to mental health stigma.<br />
To do it, they’re telling their own stories – raw and unfiltered.<br />
From skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression to the impacts<br />
of racial and intergenerational trauma, these teens share their<br />
struggles and triumphs and carry a powerful message: Storytelling<br />
saves lives. [Released in Oct 2022; a production of Principle Pictures<br />
<strong>for</strong> WETA in partnership with WellBeings.org]<br />
<strong>Brave</strong>TV - A livestreamed series now two seasons strong - featuring<br />
alumni storytellers and mental health experts covering mental<br />
health topics, including COVID-19, current affairs and more.<br />
<strong>Brave</strong> Beyond the Stage - Our virtual initiative to check in with our<br />
<strong>Brave</strong> Alumni and see where they are today. We’re having candid<br />
conversations to hear about their experience on the <strong>Brave</strong> stage<br />
and beyond.<br />
Off the Stage | One-on-One<br />
<strong>Brave</strong> Ambassadors - Our new program <strong>for</strong> individuals to become<br />
ground level, off the stage storytellers <strong>for</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>. We know<br />
people have the power to influence their peers and open up the<br />
conversation around mental health to change minds and lives at the<br />
grassroots level.<br />
<strong>Brave</strong> the Storm 5K - A virtual 5k in which participants are invited to<br />
run, walk, or hike in the location of their choice and be a part of the<br />
inspiration and movement to end the stigma around mental illness.<br />
We invite participants to participate <strong>for</strong> reasons that are important<br />
to them — <strong>for</strong> health, <strong>for</strong> well-being, <strong>for</strong> a loved one. Whatever their<br />
motivation may be, all are encouraged to join us and help spread a<br />
message of hope.<br />
Jay Walkers - A challenge <strong>for</strong> the month of September (which is<br />
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month) designed to break the stigma<br />
surrounding mental health and suicide. Participants are asked to<br />
<strong>for</strong>m a team to complete 800,000 steps in 30 days to honor every<br />
life lost worldwide each year to suicide. Start conversations about<br />
suicide with friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to break<br />
down the barriers that stand in the way of people getting help. Jay<br />
Walkers are encouraged to share their own stories and let others<br />
know it’s safe to share theirs.<br />
6
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>’s Impact<br />
Since 2014, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> has...<br />
Produced<br />
110<br />
shows<br />
with over<br />
1000 story<br />
tellers<br />
18,500+<br />
audience<br />
members<br />
in 53 cities<br />
in the U.S.<br />
& Australia<br />
& 300k<br />
YouTube<br />
video views<br />
Thus far, over 1000 stories have been shared through our live shows and more via our<br />
digital plat<strong>for</strong>ms. Live shows are professionally filmed and published to our YouTube<br />
channel: youtube.com/thisismybrave<br />
7<br />
2018 Houston TX Cast
T E S T I M O N I A L S<br />
“Participating as a BRAVE cast member was a pivotal<br />
moment in my life. I gained the courage and confidence<br />
to share my story of surviving a suicide attempt. I<br />
realized how healing and therapeutic it was to share my<br />
recovery journey. Shortly after the show, I launched my<br />
speaking career and eventually founded a non-profit.<br />
Since my participation in my BRAVE, I have led over 200<br />
mental health and suicide prevention talks and trainings.<br />
Because of BRAVE, my life changed <strong>for</strong>ever, and I have<br />
been able to impact the lives of others by providing hope<br />
and resources. I am so grateful <strong>for</strong> my BRAVE<br />
experience. Thank you, BRAVE, <strong>for</strong> changing my life!”<br />
-T-Kea Blackman, MPS, CPRS<br />
2018 Arlington, VA Show<br />
“<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> gave me the opportunity to connect<br />
with the deaf community to provide a show called Heart<br />
<strong>Brave</strong>... being able to stand up on stage and share my<br />
story was powerful. I was able to relive my being with<br />
positivity, open mind, and open heart and to be able to<br />
share with all my confidence and to inspire others like you<br />
and many many people in the world. I felt honored<br />
because people were able to come to me and tell me that<br />
they could relate. They're not the only one and I'm not<br />
alone. Together we unite. Wow, I thank TIMB <strong>for</strong> the<br />
opportunity to be brave and share my story and let people<br />
know we can break the barriers. Well, this is my <strong>Brave</strong>!”<br />
Jerald Creer - Storyteller and Producer of<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - Heart Truth, Stories from the Deaf<br />
Community<br />
8
“It’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience.<br />
I honestly didn’t realize how much support I had<br />
in my friends/family until the night of the show<br />
when I saw everyone’s faces in the audience. It<br />
has also given me much more confidence to<br />
speak my truth and my story, and continue to do<br />
so in the future. It has been so empowering to be<br />
more vocal about my struggles, and to know that<br />
I’m empowering others, too.”<br />
Gianna Santoro, 2018 Philadelphia Show<br />
“I think that, <strong>for</strong> me, per<strong>for</strong>ming on<br />
stage gave me a sense of relief.<br />
Keeping stuff like this bottled in you<br />
<strong>for</strong> quite some time, it's quite painful.”<br />
Cyril Koomsom, 2023 Penn State<br />
Abington Show<br />
Brandy Mimms, 2023 Deafinitely Inc <strong>Brave</strong> Show<br />
9<br />
“Per<strong>for</strong>ming in <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> was trans<strong>for</strong>mative. I love my fellow cast members. I got to be brave and<br />
share my personal experience with mental illness on stage in front of 300 people. Strangers approached<br />
me after the show to tell me that my story gave them hope. Everything about this experience has been<br />
incredible.” -Sarah Wissig, 2019 Orlando Show
F I N A N C I A L S<br />
<strong>Support</strong> Fees<br />
6%<br />
Online GIving<br />
12%<br />
Fundraising<br />
21%<br />
Grants<br />
26.3%<br />
Revenue<br />
Sponsorships<br />
34.7%<br />
Fundraising<br />
15.9%<br />
Operating<br />
12.2%<br />
Expenses<br />
Programmatic<br />
71.9%<br />
10
C R E A T E A B R A V E L E G A C Y T O D A Y !<br />
At <strong>Brave</strong>, our mantra is "Storytelling Saves Lives." <strong>This</strong> belief drives our<br />
commitment to sharing more <strong>Brave</strong> stories worldwide, reaching as wide an<br />
audience as possible. Our goal is to expand our reach, making our plat<strong>for</strong>m<br />
even more accessible to even more people, especially diverse communities<br />
and individuals.<br />
In 2024, we're embarking on an essential mission: The Legacy Campaign. <strong>This</strong><br />
initiative marks the launch of our new annual fund, and we warmly invite you<br />
to join us on this trans<strong>for</strong>mative journey.<br />
Mental health and substance use conditions touch everyone's lives, either<br />
directly or indirectly. The demand <strong>for</strong> support is more pressing than ever. Our<br />
annual fund is dedicated to establishing a robust foundation to our ongoing<br />
mental health initiatives, ensuring that <strong>Brave</strong> will continue to have vital<br />
resources and support. By supporting our Legacy Campaign, you're investing<br />
in a future where mental health is a priority, stigma is eradicated, and we're<br />
making a difference, one story at a time.<br />
In addition to contributing to our annual fund, we are excited to offer two<br />
ways to maximize the impact of your donation: Donor Advised Funds(DAF’s)<br />
and Employee Matching Donations!<br />
Your support is essential to our work, and we are grateful <strong>for</strong> your generosity.<br />
Together, we can make a difference and create positive change. To learn more<br />
about maximizing your gift, please visit https://thisismybrave.org/donate/.<br />
11
L E G A C Y C A M P A I G N ’ S I M P A C T<br />
Expanding Access to Live Shows: Your contribution will help us have a broader<br />
reach, especially within disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.<br />
Promoting Mental Health Awareness: Awareness is a crucial step in<br />
destigmatizing mental health issues. Your support will enhance our outreach<br />
ef<strong>for</strong>ts and awareness campaigns: fostering understanding, compassion, and<br />
empathy.<br />
Creating a Lasting Impact: Joining the Legacy Campaign means you're part of a<br />
long-term ef<strong>for</strong>t that will leave an enduring legacy. Your donation is more than<br />
a gift; it's an investment in a future where hope and healing thrive. Your<br />
generosity will resonate across generations, positively affecting individuals,<br />
communities, and society.<br />
Our goal is to raise $100,000 in 2024. Your generosity has been the<br />
cornerstone of our success, and we invite you to continue your support today!<br />
Giving Levels<br />
$25-$499...........................<strong>Brave</strong> <strong>Support</strong>er<br />
$500-$999.........................<strong>Brave</strong> Friend<br />
$1,000-$4,999..................<strong>Brave</strong> Ally<br />
$5,000-$9,999..................<strong>Brave</strong> Advocate<br />
$10,000-$24,999.............<strong>Brave</strong> Patron<br />
$25,000+............................<strong>Brave</strong> Benefactor<br />
All contributors will be recognized on a <strong>Brave</strong> donor wall on our website and in newsletters.<br />
12
13
Danita Sims, 2022 DeKalb IL Show<br />
T H A N K Y O U !<br />
We appreciate all you have done to make the impactful<br />
work of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> possible. Thank you <strong>for</strong> being a<br />
champion of mental health and <strong>for</strong> helping to create a<br />
legacy of support that will empower more and more<br />
individuals. Together, we can make a difference. We are<br />
incredibly grateful <strong>for</strong> your generosity!<br />
Erin Gallagher, Executive Director<br />
www.thisismybrave.org<br />
@thisismybrave