I think I speak for everyone when I say I can’t BELIEVE it is December. Did anyone else not think we would make it to this point? I’m not entirely convinced it isn’t still March…
2020 has been a wild ride for Shape, as it has been for nearly everyone nonprofit and small business. When the shutdown happened in March Patrick and I were terrified. We had lots of projects that got put on hold, we couldn’t meet with our interns, and we had no idea how we were going to continue to grow our business in 2020. But at the same time, we were lucky. Our team is small and we had already been used to working from home (though I’ll admit I probably worked from coffee shops a little too often) and we didn't have to face the difficult challenge of laying off employees. Was this year still hard? Absolutely. But was it still a success? 100%. We grew as a company this year, both financially and physically, and while 2020 was a whirlwind, we still have so many great things to share.
For starters, we assembled an amazing team of interns that has worked so hard despite unusually and often difficult circumstances. Our currently interns Krystal, Sam, and Isaac have been kicking butt every day and working on every shoot we have. They never once complain about wearing a mask for a 6+ hour shoot, they continue to work hard to learn from home since we can’t meet as often in person, and they ask questions to grow as young filmmakers. While many students would abandon the chance of successfully interning right now, this group of interns have persevered and made the best of a difficult situation.
When the pandemic hit we were so scared of losing clients or not being able to meet new clients. However, our amazing network did not let us down, and we were fortunate to continue to work with Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation, GE, Aerial Agents, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, BVU, and Race to Cure Sarcoma to name a few. In addition, we created relationships with new clients such as Oceanne, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Rooted in Trees, Fitty Awards and Excel TECC. We are so fortunate that we have found ways to work safely during this pandemic and are beyond grateful for the clients we have met this year who trusted us to tell their stories.
Last but certainly not least, we want to thank our friends, family, and followers who have continued to support Shape this year. Whether you have donated to our mission, told a friend about our organization, or even just followed us on Instagram we are so unbelievably grateful for your support. 2020 was a year of firsts for Shape, and I am personally so grateful for what we have accomplished in these bizarre times. I am so excited for 2021 and what new adventures it will bring. We know we will continue to grow, continue to meet amazing Clevelanders, and most importantly continue to tell amazing stories. Thank you for your support this year, and always.
Stay safe, wear a mask, and let’s shape the city we love.