North Hartford Ascend
Branding | Campaigns | Web Design | Video | Analytics
Inside the Project
Community First: How North Hartford Ascend Turned Collaboration Into Real Change
Overview
North Hartford Ascend came to FourteenG with an ambitious vision: to uplift the Promise Zone neighborhoods of Hartford through increased awareness, access to services, and meaningful community engagement. They weren’t just looking for branding or marketing. They needed a partner who would move with them, listen to the community, and build trust from the inside out.
This project was more than just work. With deep family ties to the area, it became personal. We treated this effort not as a contract, but as a shared commitment.
The Challenge
The North Hartford Ascend initiative was backed by a five-year grant aimed at transforming underserved communities through coordinated support services. But with dozens of stakeholders, organizations, and partners involved, the initiative needed clarity, cohesion, and a shared identity that would resonate with residents and unify the effort.
At the heart of the challenge was the need to build something created with the community, not imposed on it.
How We Partnered
FourteenG became part of the work from day one. We showed up to planning sessions, joined community meetings, and earned trust by being present and consistent. Instead of leading with a prewritten strategy, we co-designed a process we called “Community Branding.”
We partnered with local artists and creators to develop a visual identity that came directly from within the neighborhoods themselves, not from outside consultants.
What We Delivered
- Community Branding Workshops
Residents, artists, and organizers co-created the North Hartford Ascend logo and identity. - Visual and Messaging System
A communication guide aligned all partners on tone, mission, and language. - Website and Affiliate Hub
A central digital space allowed stakeholders to collaborate and access key resources. - Local Content Production
Neighborhood photoshoots and authentic digital and print materials brought the initiative to life. - Explainer Videos and Ad Campaigns
Short videos and targeted ads increased awareness and helped people engage with services.
Results
- Growth in enrollment across community programs and services
- Stronger collaboration among partners through streamlined communication
- A recognizable, community-approved identity that helped unify the initiative
- Measurable engagement driven by events, digital campaigns, and on-the-ground outreach
- KPI tracking allowed us to adapt in real time, refine messaging, and optimize our strategy as the initiative evolved
See more impact data: North Hartford Ascend Impact Page
Testimonials
"Most times, people come into the neighborhood with their own plan and don’t really ask us what we think. FourteenG actually listened, took their time, and made sure we were part of the process. It really felt like our voices mattered for once, not just the numbers."
— North Hartford Promise Zone Resident, (Focus Group)
Key Takeaway
When the mission is big, the marketing needs to feel local, genuine, and rooted in trust. North Hartford Ascend succeeded because everyone involved—residents, partners, and creatives—built it together.
At FourteenG, we don’t just support initiatives. We become part of them.
