Mary's Center
Technology Infrastructure
Builds Stronger Nonprofits
The Challenge
Mary's Center is a nonprofit organization that provides thousands of
Like many fast growing organizations, Mary's Center grappled with how to create and fund infrastructure to match its increasingly complex needs. Systems that had been adequate for a single location program were no longer sufficient for a sophisticated multi-location operation doing business in two jurisdictions. Without a technology plan or an overall technology strategy, the organization found it very difficult to prioritize and budget for technology investments. In addition, internal tech support was limited resulting in down time when problems arose, a tremendous frustration among staff. "Technology was a problem rather than a solution for us", said Laura Golightly, Chief Financial Officer. We just didn't have what we needed and we needed help, fast!" With increasing pressure to demonstrate results of their work, to funders and other stakeholders, Mary's Center understood the growing importance of systems to support collection and analysis of data.
The Solution
Acknowledging that they were at a crossroads, Mary's Center engaged NPower to advise it on technology issues. NPower conducted a technology assessment, talking with users in departments across the organization and inspecting all hardware and software. NPower recommended new servers to support the sophisticated accounting system Mary's Center just purchased, and they recommended standardizing on a common version of the operating system. They also suggested changing the configuration of the 110 desktops computers to improve the ease of maintenance by automating updates rather than relying on manual effort. NPower helped to procure new hardware using the NPower Dell Discount Program. And, NPower also helped Mary's Center to apply for a software grant program that Microsoft offers to NPower clients. As a result they were able to obtain a donation of more than $50,000 in operating system and end user software. NPower also reviewed Mary's Center technology staffing plan, helping the organization to craft a job description for an MIS Director with appropriate skills to manage their new systems. NPower reviewed resumes and assisted in interviewing candidates. NPower staff came in over a holiday weekend to install new hardware and software so that there would be no interruption in Mary's Center's ability to provide critical health care services. "They were so thoughtful in the way they worked around our schedule and our work. We barely knew that they were there", said Maria Gomez, President and CEO of Mary's Center.
The Impact
Following the implementation of the technology plan that NPower devised and its team executed, Mary's Center has five new servers and a complete data back-up system. It now has a stable technology environment and a plan for future technology growth as the organization grows and expands its reach. The new infrastructure also allows Mary's Center to serve more women, children, and families in the community. Instead of worrying about technology, Mary's Center team can now concentrate on what they do best, caring for the women and children of the district who otherwise wouldn't have a place to turn for quality healthcare.
"It was wonderful to have technology experts like NPower in our corner during this critical time. Nonprofits really need a trusted source for technology like this. Working with them let us focus on our real work which is providing health care to our community." -- Maria Gomez, Executive Director, Mary's Center
