For the second year in a row, we were asked to produce the annual report for Alternatives For Girls, a vital organization celebrating 25 years of helping homeless and high-risk girls and young women in Detroit. Our task was to capture the important accomplishments of AFG and convey the difference it makes in individual lives, as well as the community as a whole.

In marking their 25 years, Alternatives For Girls had compiled a list of numbers highlighting the outcomes of their work. Juxtaposing these facts and figures with powerful black and white portraits, we made the case for these “Numbers that Count” in the annual report. Three of the girls told their own stories in their own words, providing potent examples of how AFG dramatically changes lives and provides hope. For the AFG annual report, we chose to use a large scale Zine format, on multi-colored SHINE Pearl paper stock, reflecting the silver anniversary of the organization. To keep production costs to a minimum, the report was printed on a digital press, and the pages were sewing machine bound.

Alternatives For Girls enthusiastically received the work, noting how well it conveyed the organization’s milestone 25th anniversary. For women in need, potential supporters and current donors, the Zine annual report has helped to create awareness in the Detroit community and build the support needed to continue their mission and maintain expanding services.