SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED
Spotlighting Stories of Life-Changing Services
Since its inception in 1987, Serving People In Need (SPIN) has served more than 74,000 families and individuals experiencing homelessness. As they approached an upcoming fundraising gala, they recognized an opportunity to inspire an audience to support their organization by sharing heartfelt stories of how their services impact lives.
Situation
As a small non-profit with limited capabilities, SPIN required help highlighting its services across its website, social media channels, and at an upcoming fundraising gala where they would have a key opportunity to communicate their impactful work to people new to SPIN. We partnered with them to create a comprehensive storytelling plan that shared compelling, personal stories of the diverse families they support while spotlighting the organization’s programs. Our team managed every aspect of pre- and post-production, from coordinating event logistics and conducting client interviews to filming, photography, editing, and delivering the final creative media across multiple digital platforms.
The Felix Family
Pepper and her three children became homeless after her mother-in-law’s stroke forced them out of their temporary living arrangement. Despite working as an Uber driver and seeking help from an agency, she remained homeless for nearly a year. In March 2022, Pepper contacted SPIN, and they immediately started searching for housing. After several rejections, she was finally approved for a low-income apartment. With support from local churches, Pepper managed to stay afloat until move-in day on June 27th. Now settled into their new home, Pepper and her family are on the path to stability with SPIN’s continued support.
The Asoau Family
The Asoau family, devastated by the loss of multiple relatives due to COVID-19, including their grandfather and grandmother, faced further hardship when the father lost his job, forcing them into a one-bedroom motel room. Their family of seven shared a small space for two months, surrounded by dangerous conditions, while desperately searching for a new home. Despite repeated setbacks, the family’s resilience and the mother’s positivity led to their approval for a low-income, four-bedroom home. With SPIN’s help, they received essential support, including furniture, groceries, and ongoing rental assistance, helping the family rebuild their lives.
Street Services Program
Launched in 1987, SPIN’s Street Services Program marked the organization’s first outreach effort to individuals experiencing homelessness. Decades later, the program remains active, with volunteers, corporations, and community groups coming together weekly to prepare sack meals, organize clothing drives, and collect essential items like blankets and hygiene products. SPIN’s ongoing presence in the community provides more than just material support—it offers meaningful connections that are highly valued by those they serve.
“The Pappagalo crew took our vision and turned it into something truly captivating. Not knowing what to do or where to start, they came fully prepared with a thoughtful approach and process, providing clear direction and management that maximized our resources. Their creativity and professionalism made the whole project a breeze and a delight to work on together. Can’t wait to see what we cook up together next!”
Ladeshia Goubert
Manager of Donor and Volunteer Relations | Serving People in Need
Impact
Our partnership with SPIN has proven instrumental in bringing the personal journeys of those they serve to the forefront. By crafting compelling narratives through videos, photoshoots, and written stories, SPIN has been able to humanize the challenges faced by the unhoused community, fostering deeper connections with donors, volunteers, and the broader public. These stories not only highlight the effectiveness of SPIN’s programs but also inspire continued support, demonstrating how collective efforts can transform lives and create lasting change.
