When people talk about West Virginia and the greater Appalachian community, in recent years its been a story about deep-seated values and challenges the community faces. In the wake of the predatory opioid epidemic, there is a wake of people who are underserved and often forgotten. But our team is always looking for ways to make a positive impact and use our time, talent and treasure to redirect hardships.
We’ve seen firsthand how radically different someone’s life can be when they have strong and caring people around them. From our 3+ years of work with CASA of the Eastern Panhandle to our most recent work with rebranding and expanding a communications plan for Mary’s Refuge change is possible when you give a hand-up and not a hand-out.
The journey to motherhood is a profound transformation, a period filled with hope, anticipation and challenges – even when a mom-to-be is in a stable and reliable situation. For those who are not so fortunate to have a safety net and the resources needed during this transition, they can lean on Mary’s Refuge for the emotional, financial and spiritual support that leads to loving and independent living.
“This story isn’t just about a building or a program; it’s about the enduring power of community, compassion, and the unwavering belief that doing the right thing, though not always easy, is always worth it. Especially when it comes to ensuring moms-to-be have a tribe of people to help them grow into one of the most rewarding and challenging roles in life – motherhood.”
– Jessi Knipe, LovelyPixels
When Mary’s Refuge approached us, they were just about to open their doors and get vocal about their mom-focused 2-year program. They had a handful of homemade brochures and a giving sheet, along with a logo that a St. Joseph parish student had crafted for them. Those initial pieces helped them build and showcase their idea to community and parish members, getting the funds needed to fuel renovations.
The parish building in downtown Martinsburg is a previous nunnery and has been beautifully restored to focus on mother and child, including furnishing 13 bedrooms with the necessities a new mom needs, a functional playroom for socialization and play, a full kitchen and dining room, along with an on-site, multi-unit laundry room.
“For many of the women who have utilized Mary’s Refuge in it’s first year of operation, there is a common theme. A mix of emotional testimony that expresses how this is the first stable, loving and safe home they have ever had, and that Mary’s Refuge helped them when no one else would. I don’t know what could be more important than making sure those who need these services can get them. Especially when the end result is someone successfully blossoming into living independently.”
– Jessi Knipe, LovelyPixels
Interested in collaborating with LovelyPixels?
It starts with a simple conversation.
Launching The Baby Bulletin, a quarterly newsletter, has been integral in having clear and open communications with the people who not only support Mary’s Refuge but those who are curious about the results the organization is producing. This newsletter showcases new moms at the home, upcoming events, volunteer spotlights and opportunities, along with other mom-focused wins.
The biggest foundational piece to any business or organization is their website, and we make sure the non-profits we support have a hub that looks great, and functions even better. The central showcase has online donation forms that easily get funds where they need to go, acts as a transparent archive of whats going on within the organization to ensure community trust, and – most importantly – outlines a fuss-free way for moms in need to get the support they deserve.
From the Cradle Club to Annual Galas, LovelyPixels knows how much fundraising means to non-profits who are working to do good in their community. Our role in coming up with micro-brands and campaign initiatives to help fund specific needs goes beyond just making a flyer for distribution.
Cradle Club Branding: A mission to encourage 200 individuals and businesses to donate just $1,000 a year, and that money is enough to cover a full year of needs around the maternity home. Salaries, utilities and basic needs being covered help ensure the
Online Fundraising Portal: Helping non-profits have an online portal that is eas to use and low maintenance to sell goods from is foundational to helping turn donors into brand champions who proudly wear your merch and spread your message.
Consistent branding and messaging means making sure all of your channels are in alignment with core brand tone and imagery. LovelyPixels helps ensure the social media feeds of Marys Refuge stay relevant.
