Vanguard Community Development Corporation: Server Stability Helps Grow Programs
Founded in 1994, the mission of the Vanguard Community Development Corporation is to facilitate the revitalization of the physical, social, and economic fabric of the Northend Neighborhood. Access to technology is essential to this mission because it contributes to the skills development, employability, entrepreneurial, communications, and artistic expression of Vanguard's stakeholders: youth, residents, community organizations, church and business partners.
Challenge
One program that provides technology access to the community is the Urban Artist Collective, a multi-media program for youth that teaches graphic design, website design, project management and entrepreneurial skills. This program has had amazing results, but it also has generated huge technology needs. Two key network issues produced were graphic-intensive files took up a lot of disk space on the server and the need to reduce the outsourcing of print jobs.
At the same time this program started to grow, Vanguard upgraded their community computer lab and installed two new print drivers on the network. As a result, the overloaded server began experiencing constant crashes, failed back-ups, and limited disk space causing saving and printing failures.
They tried to relieve some of the strain by burning files to CDs and moving large files from the server. The server was still giving Vanguard trouble. When the server finally failed, Vanguard called in a for-profit organization to fix the problem. They received an expensive quote, much more money then they wanted to spend.
Vanguard has been with NPower since NPower's inception in 2002. Vanguard has participated in numerous planning sessions, training seminars, and has received advice about all sorts of technological issues including security updates, computer lab maintenance, and server upgrades. Even when no resources were available to fund changes, NPower still helped them to formulate a plan to address their issues. As a continuation of this relationship, Vanguard asked NPower for help after receiving the server quote.
Solution
NPower Michigan invited Vanguard to take part in the Kellogg Communities of Color Technology Advisory group. Vanguard along with 19 other small and medium sized nonprofits participated in TechTrek, a program that bundles technology planning assistance with consulting hours and financial assistance. Once the technology plan of action was written and reviewed, Vanguard knew they needed help installing and maintaining the server.
The NPower consultant guided them through the installation of the server and migration of their data. "NPower was instrumental in coming in and making the transition to the new server smooth. There was minimal downtime, and (our consultant) mirrored the current data structure as it existed. He acknowledged that too much change at one time might be difficult," said Charneise Newton, the Fund Development Manager at Vanguard.
The NPower consultant also provided her with resources so Ms. Newton could maintain the equipment after the installation was complete. "Working with NPower is great because the consultants not only do the work, but they also help you learn how to do the work," explained Ms. Newton.
Impact
Vanguard CDC is happy with the work NPower Michigan has done and is grateful for the impact on their programs. With a working and dependable server, their staff and clients can work confidently. No longer do they need to perform workarounds - they can back-up their systems safely and focus their time on delivering their programs. Ms. Newton feels that, "This is one of the most effective partnerships we have as technology is vital to bottom-line results."
« Back to Success Stories
