Five Questions with Jesse Medalia Strauss
Jesse Medalia Strauss is the co-founder of Forward Frame Media, a full-service videography company that advocates for progressive social change through visual storytelling. He has produced Community Lodgings’ videos since 2015.
What attracted you to Community Lodgings?
I was just starting out as a freelance videographer and I saw a post about them needing a videographer. I looked up the organization and loved it – my whole goal is to be a freelance videographer for socially progressive causes. Everything they did was amazing and I saw how they helped a lot of people and I thought it would be a great organization to be involved with.
Why do you continue to be involved with them?
Because it has been such a great working relationship that we have had together. I really enjoy making the videos and contributing in that way.
What is important to you about their work?
It is important to me that they have a transitional housing program, but they have thought of everything. They provide homes for families, classes, a place for kids to go after school, and really a foundation – a home and the means to become independent. Everything is taken into account – life skills classes, places for kids. They really uplift the entire family.
What has your involvement w/Community Lodgings done for you?
I have produced two amazing videos that you can view on my website. I have been able to meet lots of amazing people and hear their stories and I get to know that have helped this great organization get funded and prosper and help even more people.
What is your favorite Community Lodgings story/memory/experience?
I am a very political person and do a lot of political work. When I interviewed Jenny (McDaniel, for the 2016 video) and she mentioned how proud that she, as an ex-offender, could now vote, thanks to Governor McAuliffe. It was really touching to me to see how much that meant for her. It was one of the best moments in shooting both Community Lodgings videos that I have done. Jenny really wants to give back and vote, and that was really meaningful to her. And to me.
