Centene Corporation skilled volunteers delivered a refreshed technology plan for nonprofit RunningWorks, through the G.A.I.N. – powered by Lowe’s program. As a result of this project, RunningWorks anticipates saving over 640 hours in staff time annually which they will put to work to help more people live healthy lives while facing homelessness.
RunningWorks is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides wellness initiatives, life skill development, social support, and case management to promote healthy lifestyle habits. Their goal is to improve the health and well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.
RunningWorks embarked on their third project in the G.A.I.N. journey, an Apparo program generously sponsored by Lowe’s and EY. Since completing their most recent Technology Plan project with Apparo in 2021, RunningWorks has re-evaluated their service model, staff roles and software tools. As a result of these changes, they needed a partner to assist with reviewing and refreshing their Technology Plan to ensure it was in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Apparo matched RunningWorks with skilled volunteers from Centene Corporation who conducted a current state technology assessment and provided a robust, actionable technology plan with prioritized recommendations. The project was supported by volunteer Change Manager from Duke Energy, Zack Harris.
Once implemented, the recommendations in the Technology Plan will allow RunningWorks to operate more efficiently, increase reach and reduce security risks. As a result of this project, RunningWorks will be able to more fully utilize the functionality of technology tools they already have in place which will allow staff to work more efficiently. The organization anticipates saving over 640 hours of staff time annually, a value of over $15,600.
Staff time saved combined with fully utilizing systems in place will allow RunningWorks staff to have the time needed to serve more team members. Matt Sharp, RunningWorks Chief Operating Officer, shared, “Fully utilizing the technology systems we have in place today will allow us to better target individuals that can benefit from our services and expand our reach and impact more lives.” Time saved will also allow staff time to focus on writing grants and fundraising, potentially increasing revenue for the organization.
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Sharp shared his appreciation for the project, “After 2+ years of navigating the pandemic and how it’s impacted RunningWorks, we’ve had to take a hard look at our mission, vision, services we provide, clientele we serve and how we do business. This includes our use of technology. We were lucky enough to participate in a Community Impact Project 5 years ago, which provided us a technology assessment and helped us to set a plan for the future. With so much changing over the course of the last few years, we were in desperate need of a technology plan refresh.
Apparo was kind enough to partner us with Todd Carlson and Chris Long from Centene Corporation, who were able to use their gifted skillset to help us assess where our technology strengths and areas of growth were. They were then able to assist us in developing recommendations and guidance in easy bitesize chunks which we can implement and address in the coming weeks and months. We are immensely grateful for the time and energy that was poured into this project, and we are excited to impact the community we serve in deeper and more effective ways because of it!”
Centene Corporation Skilled Volunteers Todd Carlson and Chris Long, contributed 32 hours and delivered a project worth around $10,000.
Volunteers shared about their experience on the project:
- “I really enjoyed my time learning about RunningWorks their great mission and how they are having positive impact on the Charlotte community. The Apparo framework was really helpful for enabling us to partner with RunningWorks to refresh their technology transformation journey.” Todd Carlson, Centene
- “Working with RunningWorks COO, Matt Sharp, and fellow Centene teammate Todd Carlson on the technology refresh plan for RunningWorks has been a great experience for me. Being able to put my knowledge to use to benefit such an outstanding organization that gives back to Charlotte’s most in need has been truly rewarding. Apparo’s Sarah Gregory does an outstanding job organizing and managing the projects so volunteers can focus on our areas of specialty. Great to be a part of how Apparo delivers value to our area non-profits!” Chris Long, Centene
Volunteer team: Centene Corporation – Todd Carlson & Chris Long;
Nonprofit team: Matt Sharp
Change Manager: Duke Energy – Zack Harris
