Making Media Connections 2009

May 21, 2009

Valuing Nonprofit Communications: Vanessa Alvarez, Mercy Home For Boys & Girls

What value do you see in communicating effectively in times of austerity?
Now more than ever services are needed. People have lost their jobs, homes and sense of security, at whatever level and capacity, it can cause physical and mental distress.

What do you love most about your job working at the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls?
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls provides a solution for kids in crisis; I believe this to its very core because I have witnessed the results. Seeing the boys and girls on a daily basis reminds me of friends that could have used the holistic support Mercy Home offers and perhaps they would have had a better chance at life. There are so many youth and parents in the city of Chicago that just need a little help, someone to believe in them, we can provide that. There are different measurements of success and life; but success can only come when there is strong network of support– that’s what Mercy Home is.

Why did you feel it necessary to invest in attending this year’s Making Media Connections Conference?
Getting the word out about Mercy Home’s services is one the primary goals in my division. Keeping up with communication strategies and trends is vital to our success. I’ve attended in the past and returned with valuable information, which helped organize, plan and outreach to various media entities successfully.

What do you plan to do with what you learn at the conference?
This year I hope to bring back to Mercy Home, insider knowledge about branding, new communication vehicles and the state of PR coverage for nonprofits.

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