In 2018, Wray Ward created a service-grant program, called EmpoWWer, to formalize a long-standing culture of giving back to the community. Through this program, 501(c)(3) community initiatives in the greater Charlotte area can apply to be one of three recipients of time and resources that help solve a complex marketing challenge.

Now, five years later, we’ve seen the dream of EmpoWWer realized through our work with 15 different Charlotte-area organizations. From time to time, we touch base with past partners to learn how EmpoWWer continues to influence their organization — sometimes years down the line.

Take Hospitality House of Charlotte, for example. In 2021, the nonprofit group dedicated to housing patients and families traveling to Charlotte for medical care received an EmpoWWer service grant to help tell its critical story. The project centered on building an engaging and informative new website for the organization’s primary audiences.

We reconnected with Angie Bush, executive director at Hospitality House, to hear how EmpoWWer continues to help them serve people in need within the Charlotte area and beyond.

Why is Hospitality House of Charlotte so important to the community?

Hospitality House of Charlotte ensures that ZIP codes don’t control health outcomes. Our 20-bedroom facility creates a community for patients traveling from out of town to receive vital medical care. Many of those we serve are from rural North Carolina and South Carolina counties where hospitals have closed and specialty treatments are unavailable, forcing them to travel away from home for care.

By providing lodging in the heart of Charlotte’s medical community at minimal rates, we make it possible for more patients to access treatment for cancer, organ transplantation and cardiac issues. Many guests indicate that had it not been for Hospitality House, they would have been unable to receive life-affirming care.

“My husband and I are so grateful for Hospitality House. We would not have had the option to pursue his cancer treatment if we had not been able to stay close to the hospital, as was required for his particular care. We would like to say thank you to the staff for being so helpful and welcoming, to the donors for being so generous, and to the community groups and volunteers for their assistance with meals. You made our 'home away from home’ experience as positive as it could possibly be!”

– Hospitality House of Charlotte guest, May 2023

How did the EmpoWWer experience benefit Hospitality House?

The EmpoWWer grant allowed us to bring to fruition something we could not have otherwise realized. Wray Ward helped redo our website, but they also provided the insight necessary to leave us with more than just an attractive homepage that creates a great first impression. They optimized our SEO, ensured the website is easy to navigate, and designed it with clear calls to action and a great user experience on all devices.

We are now able to communicate more effectively with our donors and volunteers.