If You Build It

Please help us finish this extraordinary project. 

We set out to make an impactful documentary film about mental health—rooted in courage, connection, and the ripple effect of compassion, belief in oneself, and to show how following your dream can lead to positively influencing more people than you can ever imagine. 

We’re the JCK Foundation, and for fifteen years our mission has been simple: make sure no one has to struggle alone. Our founder John Tessitore began this work after losing his best friend and mentor John Kelly to suicide—making a promise to build a world where talking about mental health feels natural, human, and safe. Everyone has a story.

That promise led us to the heartland of Iowa! Immediately we saw just how universal the foundation's mission is, and that challenges with mental health have no boarders. Inspired by the movie Field of Dreams, John Tessitore and a small crew of his closest friends followed real stories of people meeting pain with care — and what it looks like to show up for one another.

In just three days, rapidly field-producing this documentary as we landed in Omaha, Nebraska and drove across the entire state of Iowa, we recorded over fifty interviews! And forged connections we will never forget! 

Again and again, one common truth surfaced: the courage to ask for help, and to accept help, invites others to do the same.

What we captured became a deeply human story that moved us and strengthened our resolve. The result is now "If You Build It" — a documentary film about resilience, vulnerability, and how any community can turn pain into purpose. We are reminded to always listen to your “voice” and never doubt the beauty and impact of your own dreams.

We’re proud of the production of this film and grateful to everyone who trusted us with their stories. The ripple effect of your courage impacts more than you may even imagine!

Please help us finish it and share it widely, infinitely and perpetually. Someone out there needs to hear and see and health from this documentary, and we owe it to them to be there. Never underestimate the impact of your own story.

The Story Behind the Film

Listening to our own voice led us to Iowa. Although we entered the trip with the same Blind Faith and a dream as Ray Kinsella in the “Field of Dreams”, we left realizing without a doubt that going to Iowa was the greatest decision we could have possibly made.

We arrived in Iowa with a small crew and a clear intention: listen well and give others the space to share their story. Doors opened. Families welcomed us in, and so many friends spoke with candor about loss, recovery, and the everyday work of caring for each other.

It quickly became clear this isn’t a story about a place—it’s a story about people. When space is made for honesty and care, healing takes root and spreads.

Where We Are Now

The film is shot, and the story is bigger than our original scope—we captured nearly ten times the footage we planned, it was THAT GOOD. To do these voices justice, we’re raising $10,000 to complete post-production and get the film in front of audiences. Here’s where you come in!

What Your Contribution Supports

• Editing & Assistant Editing – shape 100+ hours into a cohesive 30-minute film

• Sound Design & Mix – clarity and intimacy for every voice

• Color & Finishing – a consistent, cinematic look

• Music & Licensing – score and cues that elevate the story

• Graphics, Titles & Credits – proper recognition and polish

• Festival Submissions & Deliverables – bring the film to schools, festivals, and community screenings

Why This Matters

"If You Build It" shows that conversations about mental health can happen anywhere—classrooms, kitchens, carpools—and that none of us are alone in this.

Through JCK, we’ve already connected with 30,000+ students worldwide. This film extends that work—opening new doors, starting new conversations, and reminding people that asking for help is strength.

Let’s Finish This Together

We built this project on trust, purpose, and a little blind faith—the same way we built our foundation.

If this story resonates, please give what you can. Every dollar helps us finish the film and get it to the people who need it most.

From our team, the families we met, and everyone who shared their hearts—thank you.

Let’s finish this together. 💚⚾️