Thomas M. Wernert Center: Solid Technology Infrastructure Improves Ability to Fulfill Mission
The mission of the Thomas M. Wernert Center in Toledo is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness through consumer-driven and focused programs that address recovery through education, peer support and advocacy.
Challenge
According to Kelly Skinner, the Executive Director, their ability to deliver the highest quality of service was limited by an inadequate technology infrastructure. Crashing computers, errant email attachments, and cumbersome attempts to create professional materials was commonplace. Tasks that should have taken minutes would turn into hours of troubleshooting, rebooting, and requests for help. The decreased productivity affected staff morale and their ability to serve their clients. Ms. Skinner decided to apply for a technical assistance grant from the Toledo Community Foundation who later introduced the Wernert Center to NPower Michigan to help tackle the problem.
Solution
Upon initial evaluation, NPower Michigan knew the infrastructure required some major changes to meet current challenges. NPower recommended the replacement of the oldest computers, software upgrades for the newer machines, creation of a registered domain and an ISP with email accounts, a new printer and scanner with networking capabilities, and network security to protect their data. After the huge hardware expenditures, Wernert Center was delighted to find there were a few remaining grant dollars to buy a digital camera that could be used to take pictures for their newsletter and website.
Impact
As a result, the Wernert Center can easily share information with staff and colleagues using email and their new scanner; create higher quality documents critical to their programs such as curriculum texts, client presentations, brochures, and newsletters; and send professional documents over the network to a reliable printer. As one staff member commented about the new laser printer, "Oh my, this is wonderful! It printed so fast, it is smoother operating, and the quality is fantastic. I am going to really be able to focus now on what needs to get done." Not only has this made their staff feel a sense of pride in their work, but it also has been an opportunity for them to gain respect in the community and reach more people in need of their services.
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