Skilled volunteers support Atlanta-area nonprofit in streamlining operations to amplify community impact
For 65 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA) has transformed the lives of children in greater Atlanta communities through a proven youth development strategy: mentoring. BBBSMA works with volunteers, parents, and families to create mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. This year the agency will serve more than 2,000 children from 11 metro Atlanta counties, as well as the Columbus, Georgia area.
BBBSMA has recently experienced rapid staff growth, increasing from 34 to 100. Although enrollment processes were recently streamlined, adjustments to technology were not keeping pace with the agency’s growth. Their services were being delivered across multiple programs, each with its own delivery model that requires coordination and integration between multiple technology components. Apparo paired them with a group of skilled volunteers from CapTech Consulting and Hylaine to support with a technology assessment of the organization’s current infrastructure, operations, security, and technology policies. The outcome of this work was a comprehensive technology plan and roadmap that identifies gaps and pain points, creates an integrated technology plan, and improves long-term efficiency, ultimately empowering the organization to better serve the Metro Atlanta community.
Upon completing this Community Impact Project and implementing volunteer recommendations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta is hopeful about sustaining their recent growth. With updated ticketing system processes and other increased operating efficiencies, the organization can potentially reduce staff time on resolving tickets. Harold Mizell, with BBBSMA, explained that for their organization, “… when the Development Department is operating at peak efficiency, we can more effectively fundraise. On the same note, when we get the same amount or more work done while using fewer resources, there are financial benefits.” President and CEO Kwame Johnson agreed, sharing additional ideas for increased efficiencies and anticipated savings, “There has also been a lot of talk around AI and how we can better use AI to better support our fundraising and other programs so we are eager to push forward to identify even more opportunities.”
Importantly, they anticipate many reduced risks that along with other recommendations, will ensure they have a strengthened cybersecurity posture and continuity plan. BBBSMA will implement recommendations to enhance cybersecurity measures addressing password management, device policies, tech education for staff, and more. Additionally, with improved documentation processes, strategic planning, and technology with the capabilities for alignment between staff and constituents, they can better plan to meet the needs of their staff and community.
Project Team Reflections: Engaged in Streamlining Nonprofit Technology
- “Apparo worked in true partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta to identify opportunities to accelerate the maturation of our technology posture. They, along with the generous Hylaine and CapTech volunteers, were engaged and completely vested in this important project. I look forward to implementing the comprehensive tech plan that we developed together!” – Harold Mizell, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta
- “Working with Apparo and Big Brothers Big Sisters was a great experience. The BBBS IT Team was already doing great things on their own, yet was very receptive to input from our project team. I enjoyed learning about the organization- the enthusiasm of the BBBS team was truly inspiring. ” -Debie Murphy, Hylaine
- “My experience with Apparo was phenomenal. The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and took the time to understand our needs. Their recommendations will set us up for long-term success.” – Derrick Evans, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta
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