A national brand, a local chapter, and an outdated Google site
Beginning Experiences is a network of support groups for individuals coping with the loss of a loved one through separation, divorce, or death. It's meaningful work — and the SE MN chapter deserved a digital presence that matched it.
They had an existing Google website, but it lacked key information, functionality, and brand consistency. Beginning Experiences has a national brand to maintain, so establishing alignment with that branding became the top priority — this wasn't a blank-canvas design project, it was an exercise in designing within guidelines while still making something that felt right for the local chapter.
Many similar groups had outdated color schemes and designs, so I had to innovate with limited references. The challenge was building something warm, trustworthy, and easy to navigate for people who may be in a difficult place in their lives — not the typical "conversion-optimized" design brief.
WordPress, events, RSVP — and training the staff to own it
Using WordPress and various plugins, I developed a site that efficiently managed their core needs. One of their main requirements was being able to host and advertise events directly on the site — not just upload pictures to a Facebook page and hope people found it.
I implemented advanced plugins to create a streamlined events page with RSVP functionality and a live feed for event updates. Someone visiting the site can now see upcoming events, understand what to expect, and register — all without leaving the site or needing to contact the organization first.
I also provided training on maintaining the site, creating new content, and managing page settings. Handing over a finished website without teaching the people running it how to use it isn't a complete project. The chapter now owns and maintains their site independently.
A site the chapter actually owns and uses
The site now gives Beginning Experience SE MN a digital presence that matches the seriousness and warmth of the work they do. Events are listed and managed on the site itself. Staff can create content and update information without calling a developer. The brand is consistent with the national organization.
For nonprofits and community organizations in southern Minnesota that need a website built with care — one that considers your audience, fits within your brand standards, and leaves you able to manage it yourself — this is the kind of work I do.