Henderson Settlement

Supporting Henderson Settlement’s Mission with a Strong Digital Foundation

Our partnership with Henderson Settlement began in 2015, even before Ape Forge was formally established. Inspired by their dedication to serving underprivileged communities in the Appalachian region, we donated our expertise to build a digital system that empowers their work and continues to support their outreach. Over the years, this collaboration has grown to include innovative solutions like an e-commerce platform that supports their mission in new and impactful ways.

Visit Henderson Settlements Website

Understanding Henderson Settlement’s Need

As a nonprofit organization, Henderson Settlement required a website that could:

• Communicate their mission clearly to donors and volunteers.
• Streamline event promotion and program registration.
• Enable the team to manage content and updates independently.
• Support new revenue streams to fund mission work and provide opportunities for the local community.

At the same time, they wanted the confidence to handle day-to-day website tasks while knowing expert help was just a call away when needed.

Our Approach

Working closely with Henderson Settlement’s leadership team, we designed a robust and user-friendly platform that reflected their values and met their operational needs.

1. Building a Strong Digital Presence

• Mission-Centric Design: We developed a website that put Henderson Settlement’s story front and center, highlighting their programs, community impact, and ways to get involved.
• Dynamic Features: From an easy-to-navigate donation portal to program registration forms, we built tools that made it simple for supporters to engage.
• Team-Friendly Management: We created a system that their staff could update with minimal training, enabling them to keep the website current and engaging.

2. Empowering the Team
Our collaboration didn’t end with the website launch. We worked closely with the Henderson Settlement team to ensure they felt confident managing their new platform. This included:

• Training sessions on adding and updating content.
• Guidance on best practices for keeping their audience informed and engaged.

3. Expanding with E-Commerce
In 2023, Henderson Settlement launched their online craft store using the e-commerce functionality built into their website. This initiative serves a dual purpose:

• Fundraising for Mission Work: Proceeds from the craft store directly support Henderson Settlement’s programs, allowing them to expand their outreach and impact.
• Empowering Local Artisans: The store provides an opportunity for local residents to produce and sell handmade goods, creating economic opportunities within the community.

​This addition has been a significant milestone in their digital journey, showcasing how the website can adapt and grow to meet new goals.

Ongoing Partnership

Even years later, our partnership with Henderson Settlement remains strong. While their team operates the website independently, we’re always available to assist with updates, enhancements, or questions. This approach balances independence with reliable support, allowing the organization to focus on its mission.

Results

Over the years, the Henderson Settlement website has become a key tool in their outreach efforts, delivering:

• Increased Engagement: A professional and accessible website has made it easier for donors, volunteers, and program participants to connect with the organization.
• Streamlined Operations: Digital forms and automated processes have reduced administrative work for their team.
• New Revenue Streams: The craft store has created a sustainable source of funding and empowered the local community through economic opportunities.
• Sustained Impact: With a platform that grows alongside their needs, Henderson Settlement can continue to serve their community effectively.

The work we’ve done with Henderson Settlement is a testament to the power of technology to advance meaningful causes. This partnership, which predates Ape Forge as a formal business, is one we deeply cherish. The recent addition of their e-commerce craft store highlights how we continue to support their evolving goals and mission.

If your nonprofit needs a digital solution that amplifies your impact and adapts to your needs, Ape Forge is here to help. Let’s work together to support your mission.