What is ReCAST II Mecklenburg?

Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST) is a federally funded grant program through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). ReCAST II is housed within Mecklenburg County Public Health, and is in the second cycle of the grant, which runs from December 2022 through September 2026. ReCAST II works closely with Mecklenburg County's Office of Violence Prevention to accomplish three overarching goals: build/support resiliency at the individual and community levels, increase access to high-quality mental health care, and reduce rates of community violence.

To learn more about ReCAST II Mecklenburg, visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/recast. 

What is the Office of Violence Prevention?

The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) aims to reduce violence in Mecklenburg County by collaborating with County, City, partners, and community to increase opportunity and build healthier, more resilient communities. Housed within Mecklenburg County Public Health, the OVP approaches violence as a public health issue, and is guided by its 5-year strategic plan, The Way Forward.

To learn more about the Office of Violence Prevention, visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/population-health/ovp.

What can I expect to see and hear at these live shows?

An hour before the shows begin, we have a Resource Fair for our community partners to share free items, brochures, and information about the services they provide our community. 

Seats are first come first-serve in the venue, which is Project 658, 3646 Central Avenue in East Charlotte along Route 9 of CATS. 

Because the storytellers are sharing stories of resilience through some pretty difficult topics, audience discretion is advised for children under 13-years-old. Some stories may include suicide, eating disorders, gun violence, domestic violence, and other topics our storytellers with lived experience choose to share. We do try to curb adult language without impacting creative expression.This show is one of resilience and bravery, so the goal is to inspire despite the pain and harm.  Licensed mental health counselors are at each show and can be identified by blue lanyards should any audience member or storyteller need consulting because of something they hear. 

To have a better idea of what to expect, watch all three of our 2024 shows or each individual storytellers' story, on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsMyBraveCharMeck 

Who is cast in the shows?

Open auditions are held to find people from across Charlotte-Mecklenburg who are ready to share their Brave stories. No experience is required. Each person has their own artistic expression to share their story and our team of volunteer Directors help them perfect their delivery, stage presence, and order in which they're on stage. This is My Brave CharMeck is open to any one 13-years-old and older. Storytellers have to live in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County and commit to attending six weeks of rehearsals. 

In 2024 we produced three shows, to see who was cast, check out our 2024 Cast Page 

How are these shows funded?

Our shows are primarily produced by Mecklenburg County ReCAST II and the Office of Violence Prevention. Volunteers help fundraise, run social media, lead auditions and staff the shows. Community sponsors are critical to ensure these productions are successful. We aim to provide each storyteller a small stipened for their time and we create a high-quality video of their stories, as well as, professional photographs to capture their performances in a meaningful way. We also use the digital content to further the reach of our live shows by sharing them on our YouTube Channel and on our Instagram page. Our 2024 videos have more than 1,000 views. 

In 2024 we produced three shows, to see who helped fund the productions, visit our 2024 Sponsor Page