The Children’s Center of Detroit is using digital signage as part of a broader communications strategy designed to connect families with services, promote community events and create a more welcoming environment for children.
The nonprofit organization provides mental health services, early childhood education and family support programs throughout Detroit. Since joining the organization in 2025 as manager of marketing and communications, Rachel Eaton has helped expand the organization’s use of digital signage to support those efforts.
For Eaton, the technology serves two purposes. It provides a platform for sharing information about programs, events and foster care opportunities while also helping create a comforting atmosphere for children visiting the facility.
“…creating a welcoming and comforting environment is essential,” Eaton said. “Many of the children we serve have experienced trauma, so it’s important that our space feels safe, calm, and less clinical.”
One example is the organization’s lobby displays, which can simultaneously show cartoons for children while presenting information for parents and caregivers. Eaton said that balance allows the organization to communicate important messages without sacrificing the child-focused experience.
Before Eaton joined The Children’s Center, communications efforts relied heavily on printed materials and social media. While those channels remain important, she said on-site messaging plays a critical role because not all families have consistent access to internet-connected devices.
“On-premise messaging allows us to communicate in a more immediate, accessible, and equitable way,” Eaton said.
The organization selected Carousel’s digital signage platform after evaluating other options. Eaton said scheduling flexibility, content automation and the ability to display video and messaging simultaneously were key factors in the decision.
As a one-person marketing team, she also emphasized the importance of having a system that could be scheduled in advance and managed efficiently.
Beyond digital signage, Eaton said one of her primary goals has been creating greater brand consistency across the organization. She credits a more strategic communications approach with helping drive increased attendance at community events, including health fairs, back-to-school programs and seasonal activities.
