You may have noticed that we’ve done some remodeling around here! We’re thrilled to welcome you to the new Hands4HopeYouth.org, redesigned with our community in mind.
This is our first major website update since 2018, and we’re excited to share a fresh, more user-friendly experience that makes it easier than ever to explore our programs, discover opportunities, and connect with Hands4Hope – Youth Making A Difference.
A Website Designed Around Our Community
While our previous website held years of important information, we consistently received feedback that it could be difficult to navigate, especially on mobile devices. That was a significant challenge, considering approximately 60% of our website traffic comes from mobile users! Plus, due to limitations with our former platform, information about our organization was housed on Hands4HopeYouth.org, while much of our education program content lived on YouthMakingADifference.org, causing confusion and further navigation and technical challenges.
We knew it was time for a change. Our goal was to create a website that clearly communicates our mission to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service, makes events and news easy to find, and helps visitors access the information they need in three clicks or less.
What’s new?
- Everything in One Place: Our programs, resources, and opportunities are now all housed at Hands4HopeYouth.org, rather than split between two websites.
- Easier Navigation: Updated menus make it simpler to explore our programs, Clubs, Committees, and ways to get involved.
- Events and News at Your Fingertips: A new homepage events feed, streamlined Events Page, and dedicated “stories” feed help visitors find what they are seeking.
- Improved Activity Calendar: Our reformatted calendar features youth opportunities, meetings, and activities in a convenient, easy-to-reference format.
- Better Mobile Experience: A smoother, more accessible experience whether you’re visiting from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Made Possible Through Generous Support
This important project was made possible thanks to a generous grant from The Latrobe Fund.
The Latrobe Fund is a gem among nonprofit supporters because it recognizes the importance of investing in the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that helps organizations thrive. While administrative improvements and technology updates may not always be the most visible aspects of nonprofit work, they are foundational to our ability to serve our community effectively.
Our grant application was written by youth participant Lily Hinkle, who was serving as Hands4Hope Youth Board Vice President at the time. Lily understood how an improved website could help advance our mission, writing:
“The website redesign will not only increase the digital presence and efficiency of Hands4Hope, but it will also reinforce the core mission of the organization: to inspire and empower youth in leadership and service. It will ensure that everyone who visits the website and all participants will have the best tools to effectively engage in the organization. By having better access to information and more resources, we can inspire and empower more youth to take on leadership roles and become active, confident members of their communities.”
We are grateful to The Latrobe Fund for recognizing that a better digital experience is an investment in our youth, our programs, and the community we serve.
Youth Voices & Board Helped Shape the New Website
As with all aspects of Hands4Hope, youth involvement was an important part of the website development process.
Youth participants provided feedback on website navigation and other elements of the user experience, helping us consider the needs of the people who use the site most.
Current Youth Board Executive Committee Public Relations Coordinator Adi Laufer also dedicated hours to transferring blog posts and other content from our previous website to the new platform, ensuring articles were organized and tagged correctly so visitors can find relevant information more easily.
We’re proud that youth helped shape this project, not only as the people our programs serve, but as active contributors to the tools that help make those programs possible.
Additionally, the Hands4Hope Board of Directors played a role in reviewing key areas of our new site content, lending their expertise and eye to our new Donate suite and other important pages. Other experts within our community helped to provide guidance and testing.
Take a Look Around!
Our new website makes it easier than ever to explore Hands4Hope programs, discover upcoming events, and find ways to get involved. And we’re not done yet! Our website will continue to evolve, and we’d love your feedback as we make improvements.
Have WordPress and Elementor expertise? We’re looking for a local expert to help guide staff training and future site improvements. If you have these skills or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you!
Explore the new Hands4HopeYouth.org and discover how you can be part of inspiring and empowering youth in leadership and service.
Thank you to The Latrobe Fund, our youth contributors, and everyone who helped bring this project to life!
