FREE WEBINAR: StoryBrand Meets Strategy: How to Market with Clarity and Intention.
December 17, 2025 10:00 AM (CST)
CASE STUDY
Steps of Hope Iowa is a rapidly growing nonprofit based in Bondurant, Iowa, founded by Ann Breeding after the tragic loss of her son. The organization supports families impacted by substance use, provides naloxone access across Iowa counties, and creates community for those grieving unimaginable loss.
As Steps of Hope gained momentum, so did the demand for resources, support, and connection — far beyond what Ann could manage alone.
Ann was drowning in tasks and running out of time. StoryWorks helped her streamline communication and create a central hub for her community. As she put it, “I learned that I don’t have to do everything… it freed up a lot of time for me.”
Ann Breeding, Steps Of Hope Iowa
Steps Of Hope Iowa
How a Growing Nonprofit Freed Up Critical Time, Expanded Its Reach, and Built a Lifesaving Digital Hub with StoryWorks
The Challenge
Before partnering with StoryWorks, Ann was doing everything herself. Every question, every resource request, every conversation came directly to her.
She described the reality clearly:
“I was the one doing everything, and it was very time-consuming.”
This created three key problems:
No Central Hub for Communication
Families seeking support had nowhere to go except Ann’s personal inbox or social media messages. She repeatedly answered the same questions, shared the same links, and explained the same steps — manually.
Overwhelm and Time Constraints
The organization’s unexpected growth left Ann exhausted and unsure how to scale her impact.
She shared:“I learned that I don’t have to do everything… it freed up a lot of time for me.”
Limited Reach for Critical Resources
Many Iowans affected by substance use aren’t on social media. They needed a trusted place to find naloxone locations, memorial submissions, training videos, and connection.
Ann knew the mission was too important for the infrastructure to lag behind.
The Solution: A StoryBrand Website Built
for Mission, Clarity & Connection
A family from Ann’s church reached out to StoryWorks after recognizing that Steps of Hope needed a professional website to support its rapid growth. Though initially skeptical, Ann quickly realized the positive impact it could have.
StoryWorks partnered with Steps of Hope to create:
A central digital hub for every resource
Now the community has a single, trusted place to find who they are, what they do, where naloxone boxes are located, and how to connect.
“Everyone has a go-to place where they can confirm and verify everything they need.”
Automated memorial submission & contact forms
People can submit their loved one's story or reach out for support through simple, guided forms that go directly to Ann's inbox.
A publicly accessible naloxone locator map
Counties, locations, photos, and training information are all available in one place — making lifesaving medication easier to find.
Tools Ann didn't even know were possible
From QR code tracking on naloxone boxes to resource galleries and training videos, the site opened up new possibilities she hadn’t imagined.
“There are things that can be done that I didn’t know could be done… now I’m super grateful.”
The Solution: A StoryBrand Website Built
for Mission, Clarity & Connection
Shortly after launch, Ann received a message through the website from a parent who had just lost a child and desperately needed connection.
This was her defining moment:
“That was my big impact… the website is a tool being used for this journey.”
It confirmed that the website wasn’t just a communications tool — it was a lifeline.
The Results
Immediate Time Savings
Ann no longer needs to manually repeat instructions or answer the same questions over and over.
“I can point everyone to one location… it freed up so much time.”
Expanded Reach Across Iowa (and beyond)
People who aren’t active on social media can now find Steps of Hope through search and connect instantly.
More Lives Impacted
Grieving families can submit memorials, request support, and receive guidance with ease. Naloxone locations are now publicly accessible 24/7.
Increased Trust & Legitamacy
The website made the organization feel official and established in the eyes of the community.
“It makes it official… and everyone has a go-to place.”
Stronger Leadership Capacity
With systems in place, Ann now has more time to lead, connect, and advocate across the state.
Client Feedback
Ann was hesitant at first — about cost, uncertainty, and whether a website could make a real difference. But her experience changed her perspective:
“If you’re on the fence, try it — even for one year. You will see the results for yourself.”
And regarding StoryWorks:
“Tim has integrity… you’re hardworking, you ask questions, you know what you’re doing, and I appreciate all of it.”
Conclusion
Steps of Hope Iowa needed a way to scale its impact without overwhelming its founder. StoryWorks built a website that:
centralizes communication
expands reach
provides lifesaving resources
strengthens the organization's credibility
frees up the leader's time
connects people in their darkest moments
This is the power of strategic StoryBrand messaging paired with mission-driven web design.
Your 3-Step Plan For Marketing Results
Schedule a Free Marketing Checkup
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Build Your Strategy-First Plan
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Scale and Celebrate!
Enjoy measurable results, consistent growth, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your marketing finally works.
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Strategy First. Then Design. Then Results.
Most businesses waste money on marketing that doesn’t work. At StoryWorks, we start with Strategy First — the process that helps you clarify your message, build a plan, and grow with confidence. So you can stop worrying about your marketing and finally get back to doing what you love. Growing your business.
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