Website Modernization | WordPress Development | Staff-Managed Content

Operation UNITE needed a website that could better support its mission of raising awareness around substance misuse prevention, recovery resources, youth programs, and regional initiatives.

The organization’s previous website was a dated, static HTML build. It was difficult to maintain, increasingly hard to navigate, and required outside assistance for even basic content changes. News could become outdated, important programs were not always easy to find, and the site no longer reflected the scope or credibility of the organization’s work.

Developed while working for a previous employer, the redesign was my primary responsibility from concept through launch. I handled the information architecture, visual design, WordPress development, page layouts, graphic preparation, image editing, content organization, and technical implementation. A nonprofit representative provided organizational guidance, and a second developer served as a sounding board, but the project itself was mine to design and build.

The primary objective was to create a clearer public-facing platform while giving Operation UNITE the ability to manage its own content internally. Moving the site to WordPress allowed staff to publish news articles, maintain program information, update resources, and keep the website active without relying on a developer for every revision.

The site was structured around several core needs:

• Program and initiative awareness
• Treatment and recovery resources
• Success stories
• News and organizational updates
• Photo galleries
• A working events calendar
• Downloadable materials
• A regional resource directory
• Contact and search tools
• Social sharing
• Email data collection
• PayPal donation access

The homepage introduced a prominent hero section, a newer design approach at the time, to immediately highlight timely campaigns, regional programs, stories, and calls to action. The broader visual system followed Operation UNITE’s established brand standards while improving hierarchy, readability, navigation, and consistency across the site.

Because modern responsive design had not yet become the standard, a separate mobile version was developed to give visitors a more usable experience on phones and smaller devices. Accessibility was also considered throughout the project, particularly because the site served a broad public audience seeking important community and treatment information.

Content development required more than simply transferring material from the old site. Existing copy was edited and reorganized, missing content needs were identified, and the nonprofit was guided on what additional information needed to be written. Photography, graphics, downloadable resources, and supporting materials were also prepared for launch.

Staff training was a significant part of the handoff. Operation UNITE was shown how to publish news, update pages, manage images, and maintain the site internally. That shift gave the organization greater control over its communication and helped move routine website maintenance in-house.

The client was extremely pleased with the finished platform. Although the site has naturally received content updates over the years, the core structure, design system, and functionality remain rooted in the original build.

This project demonstrates the ability to modernize a legacy website, translate an established nonprofit identity into a practical digital system, organize a large amount of public-facing information, and build tools that allow an organization to communicate more clearly and operate with greater independence.