What is the Wheat Media Project?

Wheat Media is a ministry to nonprofit organizations that builds and maintains websites at no charge. The focus is on Christian nonprofits; however, all requests will be considered.

The founder of Wheat Media, Leslie, noticed that many organizations do a great job fulfilling their mission objectives. However, she observed that small groups often have chaotic and cluttered websites that detract from their message. Leslie knew that she could make a difference, so she offers her services to small nonprofits so that their websites can have a professional look.

Who is Leslie?

Leslie has an extensive background in computer graphics and design. In the early days of computer graphics, she worked at The Boeing Company on the Xerox Star. She did complex drawings for engineers, and she also supported clerical staff. She progressed to teaching computer skills and graphic design to a wide range of employees.

After several years at Boeing, Leslie left the company and began working for a small business that used the Xerox Star to prepare brochures, flyers, and other graphics projects for businesspeople. She maintained that job during her first two years of law school.

After graduating law school and passing the bar exam, Leslie lived overseas teaching law and business in various universities. Upon returning to the US, she went back to university to complete an MA-TESOL (Master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) degree. During that time, she built her first website using the graphic design principles that she had learned years ago. She secured a job at a community college where she taught English and computer skills to adult immigrants and refugees for 19 years. During that time, she began building websites for nonprofit organizations.

Leslie has built and maintained websites for breed specific dog rescue groups, free medical clinics, groups serving the homeless, groups providing funding for low-income seniors needing veterinary assistance for pets, music ministries, and missionaries. In addition to building websites, she designs brochures and other printed media. She is also skilled at writing fundraising appeals, blogs, and creating forms with complex logic.

Leslie brings several skills to web design. She has a strong background in graphics, so she understands how content should be presented for maximum effect. She taught writing for many years, so she has the ability to take text and make it understandable. She knows grammar and is an accomplished proofreader. 

In addition to building websites, Leslie has been involved in a variety of fundraising activities. She has run year-end fundraising and Giving Tuesday campaigns, set up and managed an e-shop, and conducted special needs fundraising events. She is always looking for new ways to attract donors. She is highly accomplished at drafting compelling fundraising newsletters and promotional literature.

Leslie does not charge for her services for organizations organized as a 501(c)(3). Please note that she designs in Squarespace, and you will be expected to purchase a Squarespace website. If you have a project for Leslie to consider, then please contact her for more information.

Trivia about Leslie

Leslie loves dogs! She is a companion to several Australian Shepherds of varying sizes. For many years, she trained her dogs in sheepherding. In truth, they were naturals at it; she was the one being trained!

Leslie has traveled all over the world and has visited six continents. She almost made it to her seventh continent recently. She crossed the Antarctic Convergence Zone and while in Gold Harbour, South Georgia Islands, the expedition ship struck something or perhaps exploded, took on water, lost both stabilizers, and had to turn around and return to port. She can say that she was in the Antarctic region, but not Antarctica. Like Shackleton, she will try again.

Leslie loves leading small groups, and she can often be found leading a women's Bible study during the academic year. She is loosely affiliated with All Souls Langham Place, London. She affirms the Lausanne Covenant. Her life was forever changed by attending the Urbana Student Missions Conference as a university student.

Soli Deo Gloria