How a Kerrville nonprofit found expert pro-bono help that saved them $1792

In the heart of a community striving for mental wellness, the New Hope Counseling Center in Kerrville stands as a beacon of support and healing. With a mission to provide accessible mental health services across seven rural counties, the center has long been a pillar for individuals seeking guidance and care. However, like many nonprofits, New Hope faced the challenge of expanding its reach and impact through digital platforms. This is where Catchafire, a service connecting skilled volunteers with nonprofits, came into play.

Recognizing the need to enhance their social media presence, New Hope Counseling Center turned to Catchafire to find a volunteer who could conduct a comprehensive social media audit.

“In such a small town, there are limited marketing options. We have the local papers, a local podcast, and social media. I want to be able to share what we are doing to show our impact. My goal would be to grow our followers and our engagement,” Sarah Uecker, Deputy Director at New Hope said about why she asked for help.

This strategic move was aimed at understanding New Hope’s current digital footprint and identifying opportunities for growth and engagement with their audience.

Enter Anthony Pannullo, a New Jersey based data analyst eager to support human service nonprofits. Anthony describes himself as passionate about finding insights to support data-driven decision-making. With proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, SQL, Tableau, and R, he was well-equipped to tackle the task at hand. Additionally, as an adjunct professor, Anthony brought the capability to teach and train teams to collect and track metrics.

Through Catchafire, Anthony volunteered his expertise to help New Hope Counseling Center navigate the ever-evolving world of social media. He evaluated the center’s existing social media strategies, analyzed engagement metrics, and provided actionable recommendations to amplify their online presence. He has been volunteering through Catchafire since December 2024.

Anthony’s audit revealed several key insights. He identified that while New Hope had a dedicated following, there was untapped potential in reaching broader demographics. His analysis highlighted the importance of consistent posting, engaging content, and leveraging multimedia to tell the center’s story more effectively. Furthermore, he suggested strategies to enhance community interaction and foster a supportive online environment.

The collaboration between New Hope Counseling Center and Anthony exemplifies the power of volunteerism and the impact of skilled professionals dedicating their time to meaningful causes. Through Catchafire, New Hope not only received valuable insights but also forged a connection with a volunteer who shared their vision for mental health advocacy.

As a result of the social media audit, New Hope Counseling Center has embarked on a revitalized digital strategy. They are now better equipped to engage with their community, spread awareness about mental health issues, and ultimately, extend their reach to those in need of support. This partnership underscores the transformative potential of combining nonprofit missions with the expertise of dedicated volunteers, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.

This wouldn’t be possible except for the generosity of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, who collaborates with SVPSA, to provide Catchafire to six nonprofits in the Kerrville area.