At Henrico CASA, our mission is to advocate in court for a child’s best interests and educate the community concerning the needs of abused and neglected children. Since 1994, we have amplified the voices of 4,270 (and counting!) local vulnerable children… children who would otherwise go unheard. Our advocates intervene on behalf of hurting children to say, “this is not how your story will end.” And now, youth across RVA are writing new chapters for themselves and future generations!

Achieving this mission requires a multifaceted approach and print materials have proven to be an indispensable tool in our efforts. Print media helps us communicate the need for action and engages the community in meaningful ways.

One of the most powerful aspects of print is its ability to tell a story through engaging photos. Images of children—smiling, playing, and thriving in safe environments—convey a message of hope and possibility. Equally impactful are photos that depict the reality of children still in need, evoking empathy and a sense of responsibility in viewers. These photos transcend language barriers and evoke deep emotional responses, inspiring people to volunteer, donate, or support our case in other ways. Engaging images create a lasting impression and motivate someone to take that critical first step toward involvement.

In addition to engaging imagery, print allows us to share detailed stories about the children we serve and the impact of our programs. While digital media is effective for quick updates and broad outreach, print materials offer the space for in-depth storytelling. Print materials are tangible – they can be taken home, shared with others, and revisited, ensuring our message stays top of mind. We also find that print materials provide a sense of permanence and credibility. They reflect professionalism and serve as a physical reminder of our cause. Examples of effective print materials that we have used over the past year are our annual report, mailed quarterly impact postcards, bookmarks, brochures, and promotional items.

Print also plays a crucial role in promoting our large-scale outreach efforts, especially our Home for Good® event during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each April, we conduct extensive awareness campaigns to engage the community in preventing child abuse. Print materials are at the heart of these efforts, as they allow us to reach audiences who may not be active online. Our supporters host printed yard signs in their yards and hang posters in schools, community centers, and local businesses help spread the message. Signage at the event allows us to recognize our donors and sponsors. And post cards with QR codes allow us to hand something out for children to take home from schools and other locations.

By leveraging the unique strengths of print, we can continue to expand our reach, strengthen our partnerships, and make a lasting impact in the lives of the children we serve. All marketing and printed material is rooted in our desire to promote children’s wellbeing… and to do that we must raise awareness, recruit volunteers, and fundraise with print material.