LADDER UP
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Ladder Up
A graphics projects for volunteers and staff members to be proud of.
Project Manager: Julia Kaufman
Printing Consultant: Matthew Cushing
Writer & Photography: Jon Davis
Ladder Up is a Chicago nonprofit committed to helping hardworking families and individuals access the financial resources and opportunities they need to move up the economic ladder. Since 1994, the organization has served more than 291,000 clients and returned over $524 million in economic benefits.
How does our team fit in? While the latest phase of this installation happened last year, the project originated in 2013 when Ladder Up moved into a new office suite. Executive Director Christine Cheng, a staff member for over twelve years, wanted to add life to the office walls. Her interior design firm introduced Cushing and acrylic images were installed with stand-offs to spruce up the space.
“We wanted to add life to our office space, particularly as we use the main open area as a training space for our tax volunteers. Cushing came at the recommendation of our designer and have been pleased with the work!”
Fast forward to 2016 and Ladder Up was again on the move. With a new location filled with rows of tables and empty walls, Christine saw opportunity to create a warm atmosphere, while incorporating the Ladder Up brand. Cushing was again recommended and a member of the business development team dropped by for a site survey and branding brainstorm.
Step inside the waiting area and vinyl cut lettering and wall graphics spotlight the organization mission and logo. A striking welcome, it makes every volunteer proud to walk in the door. Enter the main training area and rows of desks fill the space. It is easy to picture dozens of people sitting, ready to learn and collaborate. Walls are strategically lined with image of smiling volunteers and tax clients, installed as acrylic posters, with supporting stand-offs.