J H I Blog

ChildFund began in 1938 in Richmond, VA. Founded by Dr. J. Calvitt Clarke, it was originally called China’s Children Fund (CCF), and was created to help children displaced by the second Sino-Japanese War. The “child sponsorship” concept we know today stemmed from Dr. Clarke’s vision: one sponsor donates one amount to help one child.

The organization’s work quickly expanded to helping children around the world, and its focus shifted to addressing the devastating impact of poverty on children’s lives and communities. In 1951, the name was changed to Christian Children’s Fund, and by the 1960’s CCF was assisting over 36,000 children in 50 countries. In 1985, more than 325,000 children were sponsored by CCF. Today, the organization reaches over 15 million children and family members in 31 countries.

Recognizing that the complex and multiple challenges now facing children around the world requires a globe-spanning organization that can substantially impact the lives of children in need, CCF became a founding partner of the ChildFund Alliance, comprised of 12 like-minded international children’s organizations.

In 2009, CCF became ChildFund International.  As part of its rebranding initiative, J H I was asked to write and design a six panel brochure that could effectively communicate the organization’s 5 Year Strategy to a wide range of stakeholders, in multiple languages, and in countries around the world. The resulting piece, “Positive Outcomes, Lasting Change” recently received a First Place award in the Virginia Press Women’s 2010 communication contest, and will advance to the National Federation of Press Women contest.

It’s always nice to win awards. But it’s even better to be a part of changing the world.