Each year, I dedicate a portion of my spare design time (roughly 10%) to a carefully selected effort. It’s my way of giving in a way that best uses my skills to make a direct impact for those who may need it, and otherwise not be able to afford it. Some call it volunteering or pro bono. I like to think of it as part of my responsibility.

For a little over a year now, I’ve been visiting with the Sisters of the Holy Spirit – a Catholic community of wonderful women – in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh. They feed me, my family and even some of my friends while we talk to them about Social Media, their identity and most importantly, their dedication to their ministries of caregiving, education and community service.

Their goals are modest, but their sense of urgency is of the highest order recently. The numbers of women in their aging community have been steadily declining, while they are looking for new and effective ways to reach the younger aspiring women to join them.

With the help of a my wife and a talented group of friends, I’ve been helping the Sisters get to work building a framework of materials as the year’s community outreach efforts get under way.

Photography by Joe Kennedy, with creative direction by Randie Snow.