Project Power video production
View the video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/ProjectPowervideo Purpose I produced this video with Storyboard Films to highlight how the Anoka-Hennepin Community Education adults with special needs program, “Project Power,” benefits participants, their families, program staff, and our community. Where/when it is being used Our team shares this video with a variety of audiences to illustrate how community education works with people on all points of the education spectrum; including adults with special needs. The video is shared in meetings, at community outreach events, and on the Anoka-Hennepin Community Education website and social media accounts for visitors to see what a class looks like, and to spread awareness about the program so more people can utilize it as a resource. Target audiences • Community leaders: The video was shown at numerous community events/meetings with audience members ranging from local legislators, chamber of commerce members and community advisory council members to illustrate that Anoka-Hennepin Community Education is strategic in helping our adults with special needs practice life skills to increase independence, communication and community integration. • Community members: The video served as a tool in creating a sense of pride behind our program, educating community members about the program in an effort to reach more people who can benefit from the classes and activities that we offer. How it is supporting effective communication The video illustrates what it is like to attend a class or activity in the adults with special needs program. Viewers not only see what happens in a typical class or activity, but it is also described in the talking points that were developed ahead of time, and the testimonials from participants, their family members and our staff. We developed questions and edited the interviews strategically to drive our key message home: Project Power welcomes people with all abilities and provides them with opportunities to make friends, explore interests, develop new skills and become a part of our community. Outcomes achieved Program popularity continues to grow. People participating in the annual spring concert and talent show has grown so much in the past year, that the annual event had to be broken into two shows (in comparison to the one show that we have offered in the past) to allow everyone the opportunity to participate. In addition, a local organization, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) reached out to our program after hearing about it and recommended that we apply for a grant to provide additional funding to expand arts opportunities for our participants. Over the past calendar year, Project Power was awarded $10,000 in grants to enhance the music and dramatic experience of adults with special needs participating in our arts and theatre classes and activities by traveling to local performances to observe and learn from professional theatre and choral groups, add instruments to the program inventory, and visit local art museums.