G.A.I.N. – powered by Lowe’s
Compass Group, Hylanie and Image Design skilled volunteers recently completed a SharePoint migration and implementation for the Carolina Raptor Center. Game changer, Empowering, Priceless, Transformative. These are just a few of the words that the Carolina Raptor Center Executive Director, Jim Warren, used to describe the results of this project. This was the second project completed in their G.A.I.N. journey.
Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of birds of prey, through education, research and the rehabilitation of injured and orphan raptors.
Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) embarked on their next journey of the G.A.I.N., an Apparo program generously sponsored by Lowe’s and EY. CRC partnered with volunteers from Compass Group, Hylaine and Image Design to build and implement a new SharePoint site called “The Nest.” Having documents organized and saved in a central location will save staff over 2,000 hours annually. That’s equal to one full time staff person! CRC will have more time to plan new programs, cultivate new donors and strengthen relationships with current donors. This means CRC will reach more people and care for more birds.
Kris Cole, CRC Advancement Director, shared a recent experience where she needed information for a grant due that day. “Thanks to SharePoint, I was able to find the file I needed in 30 seconds. Prior to this project, I would have needed to contact other staff and would not have been able to finish that day, missing out on a grant opportunity.”
In addition to document storage, The Nest includes a newsfeed where leadership can share important information quickly across the organization. Also included is a ticketing systems for marketing, facility reservations and facility maintenance requests. Because of improved processes, staff can work smarter and spend more time focusing on the organization’s mission.
Warren shares, “a core value of Carolina Raptor Center is collaboration and we really believe in the value of collaborating. SharePoint will allow us to work better together. As a result of this project, staff satisfaction has improved and staff has experienced a shift in mindset from fear of technology to embracing it. Staff members are now eager to find new ways implement technology and improve processes so they can do their jobs even better.” Cole added, “Because of G.A.I.N., staff experienced a whole paradigm shift in the way technology is viewed. The team feels empowered to make changes to work smarter instead of harder.”
Volunteers, Ross Feldman (Compass Group), Audrey McLaughlin White (Hylaine) and Brian Scott (Image Design), contributed over 150 hours and delivered a project worth almost $30,000. Their contribution to CRC means more programs, more birds served and more revenue generated.
Ross Feldman, Training and Outreach Coordinator at Compass Group, shared, “I grew up in Charlotte and visited the Raptor Center as a kid as well as on school field trips. When the opportunity came across from Apparo to help them with their technology, I swooped in like a raptor! Very happy to have been part of this project and continuing to support the Charlotte community at large.”
Brian Scott, Image Design, shared his thoughts on the project, “Having the opportunity to assist Apparo with the project at the Raptor Center was wonderful. They were excited about embracing a new way of working, and it has definitely paid off for them. I hope I have a chance to work on another project soon.”
Audrey McLaughlin White also enjoyed her experience volunteering on the project. White shared, “I first visited the Carolina Raptor Center as an educator and more recently as parent. When the opportunity came across from Apparo assist in modernizing their technology management system, I was excited about the opportunity. I am thrilled to be a part of this endeavor to help achieve their mission.”
Apparo and CRC are so thankful for these volunteers who were willing to “swoop in like a raptor” and use their skill set to make a difference in our community.
