Documentary – Keith’s Story

This documentary video for Eliada Homes was filmed on location at their campus in Asheville, NC, over the course of one production day. Set against the backdrop of Eliada’s supportive environment, the team worked together to capture the story of Keith, his family, and the dedicated support team that helped transform his life. Through candid interviews and intimate moments, the video sought to bring viewers into Keith’s world, highlighting the impact Eliada’s programs had on him and his family’s journey toward healing and success.

Taylor Hellhake, who served as the Director, Videographer, and Editor, worked closely with Eliada’s communications team to ensure the content authentically reflected the heart of Keith’s story. The goal was to capture the emotional depth of the staff that supported him and also showcase Eliada’s commitment to helping children like him succeed.

As the team followed Keith and his family throughout the day, they highlighted key moments that demonstrated the collaborative effort between Eliada’s staff and the families they serve, weaving together personal testimonies, visuals around Eliada’s campus, and a message of resilience. The finished documentary not only told Keith’s story but also served as a testament to the unwavering support Eliada provides, shining a light on the work that the organization does every day.

For over 120 years, Eliada has been a cornerstone of support and care for children and families in Western North Carolina, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. What began as an orphanage has transformed into a multifaceted agency that offers a wide range of services, including residential treatment, foster care, childcare, preschool programs, student training, and workforce development. As the needs of society shifted, Eliada adapted with unwavering commitment, to ensure that every child and family receives the help they need.

In response to the nationwide move away from traditional orphanages, Eliada pioneered its Foster Care programming, opening the door to more personalized, family-focused care. As mental health awareness grew, Eliada expanded further, creating a Residential Treatment Facility and launching Therapeutic Foster Care programs to support children facing complex challenges. When women entered the workforce in greater numbers, Eliada expanded its mission once again, providing much-needed childcare and preschool services to support working families.

In more recent years, Eliada recognized a gap in support for youth aging out of foster care—many of whom struggled to navigate the challenges of adulthood and post-secondary education. True to its legacy of adaptation, Eliada responded with the Eliada Students Training for Advancement Program. This new initiative provides targeted workforce development and career readiness programming to ensure that young people have the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in the world. Through each chapter of its history, Eliada has not only responded to the evolving needs of the community, but has actively shaped a future where every child and family can find hope, healing, and the tools to succeed.

In 2010, Depthink Productions began a partnership with Eliada to create a series of documentary-style videos, each one designed to highlight the vital programs the organization offers and to showcase the real-life stories of the children, families, and communities impacted by their services. This ongoing collaboration has provided a window into the heart of Eliada’s mission, capturing the work the organization does year after year. Each video serves as a tool to educate the Asheville and surrounding communities about the depth of Eliada’s work, from residential treatment and foster care to workforce development and therapeutic programs.

The goal of this project is not only to raise awareness about the wide array of services Eliada provides but also to foster a deeper connection with the community, with the aim to generate additional support and funding for these critical programs. Depthink Productions has been able to help bring attention to the often overlooked struggles of vulnerable children and families, highlighting the positive impact Eliada’s work has on the lives of those it touches. These videos have become an important tool for Eliada’s outreach efforts, focusing on their impact and helping them to expand their life-changing programs. Each year, as new stories unfold, Depthink Productions and Eliada work together to tell the stories of resilience, growth, and hope, inspiring others to join in the mission and support these transformative services.