Our History

The Evolution of MeckPROMISE

In 2005, Mecklenburg Local Management Entity (LME) embarked on an initiative to transform the local mental health service delivery system. A system that had been based on a Traditional, Medical Model, was being challenged to transform its philosophical beliefs, structure, and operations to incorporate best practices in the field of mental health. To do so, the LME recognized that a collaborative effort of stakeholders, service recipients, family and community members was needed to identify the barriers to this transformation and to make recommendations to implement changes. As a result, the Adult Mental Health Best Practices Committee was established and for the first year, identified gaps in services along the best practices continuum.

Ultimately, this committee recommended that the County invest in establishing a local resource, training and coordinating entity with expertise in recovery and best practices. The LME put out a call for proposals and a local behavioral health organization enlisted the assistance of Cherene Allen-Caraco, an individual with personal and professional experience in mental health recovery, and Dr. Suzanne Boyd, a researcher and professor from UNCC. Together they designed Mecklenburg’s PROMISE and shortly after, the LME agreed to fund the program. With this, Mecklenburg’s PROMISE was born! Since that time, the program has expanded its reach and is now operating recovery education and peer programs.

In 2010, Mecklenburg's PROMISE underwent a significant transition after its original "parent company" closed down. After a difficult two months of uncertainty, with support from our new parent company, PSI, Mecklenburg's PROMISE was awarded the contract for the programs it designed and operated since its inception. During the interview process, Mecklenburg's PROMISE supporters came out in strength, creating a "standing room only" interview. Thank you to all our recovery supporters who continue to believe in us.

Throughout the years, Mecklenburg's PROMISE and/or its employees have received numerous awards including being named the 2007 North Carolina Program of Excellence for Consumer-Directed Support and VR Employer of the Year.