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We hear a lot about technology\u2019s ability to change lives-usually when a company launches a new app or device. The Well of Mercy founder Mary Zeien\u2019s experience shows that the smart use of simpler technology can help people change their lives, too. Her Chicago-based non-profit provides group housing, childcare, counseling, and job resources to homeless single mothers and their children. The Well of Mercy<\/a> is funded by grants and donations, without any government money. To generate community donations and make the case for grants, The Well of Mercy relies on a simple website and a handful of social media accounts.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 'It is absolutely a necessity to have a website for a non-profit business in order to increase awareness of our mission,'\u009d Zeien said. Zeien\u2019s background was in social work studies so she relied on family to help her set up The Well of Mercy\u2019s website. 'My techie son-in-law chose HostGator<\/span> web hosting<\/a> for easy access and reliability. Another non-profit group in Chicago, EPIC, adopted our business and redesigned our logo, website, and Facebook page and took us to a whole new level.'\u009d <\/span><\/p>\n [bctt tweet=”It is absolutely a necessity to have a website for a #nonprofit in order to increase awareness.” username=”hostgator”]<\/p>\n Today, Zeien said, The Well of Mercy\u2019s social media accounts and website are its two best sources of new visitors and supporters. 'The website helps us acquire grants.<\/span> It\u00a0not only showcases the success of the women and children who live at The Well, it also\u00a0brings awareness to the plight of the homeless and demonstrates that if we think ‘outside the box’ with program support, people can get out of the cycle of poverty.'\u009d<\/span><\/p>\n 'The most difficult part about entering care for homeless, abused women was to convince people that offering surrogate family life with built-in accountability would change generations to come,'\u009d she added. The Well of Mercy website\u00a0and its social media accounts create a sense of community among volunteers, donors, and residents and offer proof of success. Snapshots show kids who live at The Well taking pre-K classes, going on field trips, and simply enjoying playtime in the yard. Other posts celebrate their mothers\u2019 accomplishments as they move through the program. The Well invites community involvement with open houses and thank-you posts to give volunteers credit for their hard work.<\/span><\/p>\nNon-Profit Websites and Social Media Raise Awareness and Donations<\/h2>\n