RISING GROUND
Celebrating 190 Years: Go Gladys™ Brings Rising Ground’s Legacy to Life and Inspires Engagement
THE
CHALLENGE
Rising Ground is a leading nonprofit human services organization that provides children, adults, and families in the greater New York City area with the resources and skills needed to help them rise above adversity and positively direct their lives. Originally founded as the Leake & Watts Orphan House, 2021 was the 190th anniversary of Rising Ground.
The organization wanted to develop an inspirational video that covered the many years of the organization’s service through the Civil War, World Wars I and II, two pandemics and more up to the present day. Go Gladys was chosen to ideate and produce this video.
Weaving the video together were stories by alumni that demonstrated how Rising Ground had positively impacted men and women through time. The resulting 22 minute film was powerful and emotive, showing how lives were changed as a result of the organization’s existence and its commitment to youth and families. Stories included that of Adele Ross, whose home was blighted by domestic violence and in 1928 she was cared for during a formative period of her life and ultimately returned to live with her mother.
Rising Ground’s “190 Years of Hope & Opportunity,” is a compelling example of what we call “video without video,” where Go Gladys has told a powerful story without having the opportunity to film any footage at all. Engaging voiceovers and music are an enhancement, but as you can see, it is the power of the storytelling that creates a stirring piece of social realism.
THE GO GLADYS SOLUTION
190 Years of Hope & Opportunity
The purpose of the video was to tell the story of how Rising Ground has continuously evolved from the early days when there were thousands of orphans living on New York City streets through its evolution to its present status at the forefront of community needs. Today, the organization is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals annually.
Watch the video
190 Years of Hope & Opportunity
Go Gladys™ created an anniversary video as part of a year-long celebration of Rising Ground’s history, following a name change three years earlier. The video documented the organization’s journey and accomplishments, culminating in a premiere at a prestigious New York City venue. The audience was deeply moved, especially by Carolyn Henry, a distinguished alumna featured in the film, and the client’s reaction mirrored their enthusiasm.
The success of the project fostered a strong ongoing partnership, with Go Gladys™ providing monthly marketing materials that consistently elevate the organization’s brand and consistently drive donations.
THE
RESULTS
This powerful collaboration continues to deliver meaningful results, reinforcing the non-profit’s legacy and driving engagement across multiple platforms.
