Technology Overhaul Makes Women’s Organization More Efficient

Like many nonprofits, Our Place in DC had technology that had grown organically over time. Hardware and software were acquired as needed and technology support was provided by volunteers or consultants ad hoc. "When Our Place, DC opened, we weren't even using e-mail; our primary form of interoffice communication was yelling to each other from office to office," said Susan Galbraith, Founder and Executive Director, Our Place, DC. "This changed over time as new folks joined our team and pushed for change. For example, an intern who came to work with us in 2002 was dismayed by the fact that we didn't have a website, so she found a way to build it. Other employees pushed for e-mail communication and helped the organization to change." Most recently, staff at Our Place, DC struggled to share information between the organization's administrative office and its "sister office" in DC. Staff was also frustrated by the difficulty they were having scheduling meetings, accessing, and sharing organizational files from home.

Our Place, DC hired NPower Greater DC Region (NPower) to conduct an assessment of the organization's technology. Through interviews with key staff and a thorough audit of their IT system, we were able to recommend improvements, including:

• Replacing outdated hardware
• Creating a process for backing up critical data; and
• Installing a server to provide a secure, centralized environment for storing information, printing, and sharing files and applications.

Next, NPower helped Our Place, DC to rebuild its network by procuring discounted hardware from Dell and FREE software through the NPower/Microsoft Direct Donation Program that included a Windows Small Business Server, XP Professional, and Office Professional 2003/2007. Finally, we began providing technology support to Our Place, DC through NPower ON! online IT support exclusively for nonprofits.

Our Place, DC now has a stable and secure technology environment. They also have a trusted technology partner that they can turn to when problems arise. Most important, because of NPower ON! Online IT Support Exclusively for Nonprofits they are able to identify and correct serious network problems BEFORE they occur. Now, instead of focusing on IT, the hardworking staff of Our Place, DC can focus on making a difference - one woman at a time.

"This may sound silly, but since working with you all we are now able to access our calendars remotely and this has made a HUGE difference to us. In addition, being able to access our shared drive from home has made us more efficient. Our Director of Administration probably said it best when she described our old organization as the ‘body of a Lincoln with an engine of a Ford Escort.' Now, thanks to NPower, we have the body AND engine of a Lincoln! My only regret is that we did not hook up with you sooner."

Susan Galbraith
Founder and Executive Director
Our Place, DC