Case Study: Association House of Chicago - Where History Meets Hope
Client: Association House of Chicago
Project: Faces of Hope Gala – Video Production
Objective: To create an emotionally engaging video that highlights the Association House’s legacy of 125 years of community impact, showcasing resilience, transformation, and the power of supportive, culturally affirming programs.
Overview: Where History Meets Hope
Association House of Chicago has been a pillar of support for underserved communities since its founding in 1899. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the people it serves, creating culturally responsive and trauma-informed programs designed to empower individuals and families. For the 125th anniversary celebration, the organization aimed to create a video that would resonate with supporters by highlighting the people and voices that make up the heart of its mission: resilience, resistance, and reimagination. The video needed to go beyond showcasing services to capturing the emotional depth of the participants’ journeys—illustrating their dreams, struggles, and victories. The goal was to inspire potential donors, volunteers, and partners to see Association House not just as a service provider but as a transformative community that uplifts people and helps them reach their full potential. We wrote the film from the perspective of the community, interviewing staff and participants. Our goal: To motivate our audience to want to join the vibrant culture they have curated, support the work and join the dance party! That’s how we wrote our film: Where History Meets Hope.
“Each of us, in this moment are actively creating the world we want. One that aligns with our values.Together, we rewrite narratives, break barriers and uplift spirits. We dream big and go for it. That rich community history is what builds the Chicago we love. One story at a time. One dream at a time.”
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We worked closely with staff, participants, and board members to craft a script and visual language that would give voice to the diverse experiences within the community. The heart of the film revolved around the participants’ personal stories, their aspirations, and the powerful ways in which the programs at Association House have enabled them to transform their lives. The video also included candid moments of connection, joy, and celebration—highlighting the collective spirit of community that defines the House.
Creative Elements:
Storytelling Focus: Personal narratives were a central feature, with participants sharing their dreams and the life-changing impact of the services they received. Stories ranged from overcoming systemic challenges to achieving personal milestones such as graduating, securing housing, or finding stable employment.
Emotional Tone: We chose to create an uplifting, empowering narrative that would not only inspire, but also connect emotionally with the audience. The video showcased both triumphs and struggles, illustrating the resilience and determination of the individuals featured.
Visual Approach: The video alternated between intimate moments and larger, community-wide celebrations, giving a sense of the full breadth of the impact the organization has on the individuals it serves. We also incorporated archival footage to pay tribute to the organization’s 125-year history while ensuring the visuals felt current and relevant to today’s audience.
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The success of this project lies in its emphasis on authentic storytelling and the strong community-centered approach. By focusing on the real experiences of participants, we were able to create a film that was relatable, inspiring, and emotionally resonant.
Authentic Representation: The video gave voice to the people most impacted by Association House’s work. By highlighting real stories, we not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the organization’s programs, but we also created a genuine connection with the audience, fostering trust and empathy.
Emotional Engagement: The emotional resonance of the video—capturing not just the successes but the humanity behind each individual’s journey—created a deep connection with viewers. This allowed us to move beyond statistics and facts, and into the realm of inspiration, which is crucial for donor engagement.
Community Focus: The film highlighted the collective power of the community, showcasing how individuals supported by the House are in turn supporting and lifting up others. This focus on interconnectedness reinforced the idea that the success of one person benefits the entire community, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the organization itself.
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Where History Meets Hope, video not only served as a powerful anchor for the 125th anniversary gala, but it also exceeded expectations in terms of engagement and impact. The video helped convey a clear message about the organization’s mission and purpose, encouraging both new and existing supporters to deepen their involvement.
Donor Engagement: The video played a pivotal role in increasing donor participation at the gala, inspiring individuals to contribute financially to support the continued work of Association House. Many attendees expressed that they felt personally connected to the stories shared, motivating them to give.
Awareness and Visibility: By showcasing the lived experiences of participants, the video raised awareness about the critical services provided by Association House, particularly its trauma-informed and culturally responsive programs. This helped expand the organization’s visibility among potential donors and partners.
Community Impact: The video highlighted the profound impact of the organization’s programs, illustrating how individuals are empowered to transform their lives and create lasting change in their communities. This narrative underscored the importance of continued support for the work of Association House and its long-term goals.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Hope
Where History Meets Hope successfully captured the essence of Association House’s mission to support individuals and families in overcoming adversity. Through heartfelt stories and powerful visuals, it not only honored the past 125 years of service but also painted an inspiring vision for the future. The video reinforced the importance of community, resilience, and self-empowerment—showing how, through the support of programs like those at Association House, individuals can break down barriers and achieve their dreams. By focusing on authentic storytelling and creating an emotional connection with viewers, the video not only achieved its goal of fundraising but also positioned Association House as a beacon of hope and transformation in the Chicago community. This project serves as a model for other nonprofits seeking to elevate their own stories, demonstrate impact, and inspire action.
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Writer / Director / Editor: Melissa Fox
Camera DPs: Joshua Tomasso, Brian Care.y, Codi Palm, Melissa Fox