This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern for a non-profit based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Jennifer’s Harbor is a place that offers healing, counseling, and community to women and children that are survivors of domestic/sexual abuse. They offer a series of curriculum curated for all ages that talk about God’s word, healing, and finding freedom. I have learned so much about how non-profits operate and the huge amount of community and support that are needed to be behind the scenes.

Most of my work included social media management, curriculum design and layout, email marketing, and donor development strategies. Let’s walk through some strategies I used in each of these areas.

Social media: It is especially challenging to navigate a social media for a non-profit that deals with such heavy topics. However, creating positive and lighthearted content was a good strategy because it invokes an emotion of being personable. The audience of Jennifer’s Harbor includes clients, partners, donors, prayer partners, and the community. I created reels of staff with some trending audio and viewership went up 900%. I also created some posts with financial goals to encourage donations. There is meaning in motivating and inspiring other to help change the world and support a human.

Curriculum/Graphic Design: This was an area that really stretched me. I have always loved designing and the geometrical art that is required when making book layouts and formats. Indesign was a program that I am now very comfortable with. The curriculum that I designed for Jennifer’s Harbor is for all ages. The kids books are more leader-focused and the women’s curriculum is more of a bible study format. I focus on creating books that will make the reader feel loved, encourage healing, and further their relationships with their families. I really like to focus on what colors make you feel a certain way, bringing warmth and healing with my designs.

Donor Development Strategies: Finding creative strategies for developing donors was something I learned and it is a continual learning process. I learned about the importance of creating meaningful relationships with the community. Raising financial support is important, but it is also just as important to receive support in prayer, volunteer work, and community connection.

Throughout my internship, I also discovered how important it is to approach every task with empathy and intentionality. Working with an organization that serves vulnerable women and children taught me to slow down, pay attention to the details, and think about how every piece of communication could impact someone’s healing journey. Even something as simple as choosing a font, selecting a color palette, or writing a caption carries weight, because real people with real stories are on the other side of that work. That perspective shifted how I view creative strategy as a whole. I now see design not just as something visually appealing, but as something that can offer comfort, clarity, and connection.

I also gained a deeper appreciation for co-worker relationships. I learned so much through conversations with staff, volunteers, and community partners who showed me what it means to serve with humility. Their willingness to show up day after day reminded me that meaningful change rarely happens overnight; it’s built through consistent small actions, thoughtful communication, and genuine relationships. This experience not only strengthened my skills but also deepened my passion for using creativity to uplift others and help organizations share their stories with purpose.

My heart truly belongs to non-profits and I love to help share their stories with their communities.