Impact

Storytelling Sparks Action on North Carolina’s Child Care Crisis

Meaningful storytelling meets people where they are, which is precisely what the short documentary Take Care has done across North Carolina. The film is helping stakeholders connect and mobilize around the child care crisis.

Released in November 2024, Take Care offers a grounded look at the strains on North Carolina child care through the voices of families, educators, business owners, and community leaders in Wilmington, Rocky Mount, and Clay County. Produced by Neimand Collaborative and SeeBoundless with support from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the documentary illustrates how the crisis ripples through entire communities and underscores the need for long-term, statewide solutions.

To understand how the film was received and how it encouraged engagement, N/Collaborative conducted a two-part evaluation including a media scan and a statewide viewer survey. Reviewing more than 100 instances of engagement alongside participant feedback, the resulting insights reinforce the film’s impact—demonstrating the value of community-centered storytelling.

“Thank you for your excellent work on “Take Care”! What a great asset for NC’s Advocate Community!”
– North Carolina Childcare Advocate, Winston-Salem, NC

“We are still working to share this wonderful documentary that you helped to create with the broader community”
– Early Childhood Educator, Charlotte, NC

“We have done two screenings…We are currently working to plan one [additional screening event] with…County Partnership and hope to do at least two more.”
– National Social Welfare Organization Leader, North Carolina Chapter

Viewers also took more formal advocacy steps: - Nearly four in ten contacted elected officials (39%) - 37% raised childcare issues within their own organizations

Nearly all survey respondents (97%) reported taking at least some action after watching the film, demonstrating how the film motivates engagement and discussion. The most common actions centered on sharing the film and talking about the childcare crisis—reflecting how the message spread organically through personal and professional networks: discussing the childcare crisis with others (76%) and sharing the film (71%).

Impact

Our analysis found that Take Care raised awareness and effectively motivated online and in-person engagement. By equipping viewers to share the film, prompting them to discuss the child care crisis within their communities, and encouraging them to seek additional information, the documentary and toolkit helped audiences move from understanding the issue to actively advocating for change.

In addition to its online reach, Take Care supported discourse in communities across the state. The evaluation confirmed 10 public screening events, and that 120 people accessed the toolkit or requested guidance on hosting—suggesting strong intent to organize additional screenings. Events commonly featured facilitated discussions, cross-sector panels, and community problem-solving sessions, positioning the film as a springboard for local action. In several cases, screenings were designed to reinforce child care initiatives, deepen partnerships, and engage policymakers, business leaders, and educators in coordinated next steps.

Family walking into a childcare facility

About 36% of respondents reported using the digital toolkit, all of whom found it extremely or very useful. They underscored the value of messaging materials, including discussion prompts and ready-to-share graphics.

Resonance

An overwhelming 97% of viewers said the film accurately reflects North Carolina’s child care crisis. In particular, respondents highlighted the diversity of voices represented, authenticity, accuracy, and emotional resonance as particular strengths of the film.

Across physical and digital spaces, Take Care shows how purposeful storytelling—coupled with accessible, high-quality tools—can deepen understanding, inspire dialogue and empower action. In this case, it helped communities engage more meaningfully with the child care crisis and mobilize toward solutions.

“Take Care: North Carolina’s child care crisis affects everyone.” This documentary looks at the child care crisis in North Carolina, how it affects everyone, and what’s at stake if we don’t fix it.

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