G.A.I.N. – Powered by Lowe’s
Project sponsored by Duke Energy Foundation.
CapTech Consulting provided a technology assessment and recommendations that will allow OMITT Innovative Solutions to build capacity and anticipate tripling the number of students they serve.
OMITT Innovative Solutions (OMITT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with businesses and other organizations to create opportunities for students of all ages for the highest quality vocational training and employment preparation. Through their Social Responsibility Program, community business partners, trade apprenticeships, and financial aid, OMITT Innovative Solutions seeks to meet the needs of students, the workforce, and employers for the success of all.
OMITT = On-site/Off-site Mechanical Industrial Technical Training. This organization and its training academy, OMITT Trade School, welcomes students “as they are” in life’s journey. OMITT Trade School teaches trade skills with a human connection that inspires community involvement and economic growth.
Apparo’s G.A.I.N. (Growth, Agility and Innovation for Nonprofits) Grant Program provides nonprofit participants with the tools, training and other support they need to implement and sustain their technology and process improvements. G.A.I.N. delivers a one-year journey of technology and process improvement to a cohort of nonprofits to help them overcome their technology challenges and amplify their nonprofit impact. The G.A.I.N. program is generously sponsored by Lowe’s. This project is generously sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation.
“Working with OMITT has been one of the highlights of my weeks over the last few months. The G.A.I.N. Program provided a great balance between structure and flexibility, allowing us to work with Rose to create a technology plan that is unique to OMITT.“ – Danielle Okun, CapTech
Recently Apparo began a G.A.I.N. Technology Plan Project with OMITT and skilled volunteers from CapTech Consulting. Sponsored by Duke Energy, this project focused on conducting a technology assessment in order to provide actionable recommendations for improvement throughout OMITT’s technology processes. CapTech volunteers met Rose Jones-Edwards, Executive Director of OMITT, where she was at in identifying and communicating OMITT’s technology needs.
The skilled volunteer team conducted a current state technology assessment where they identified opportunities for the organization to improve operating efficiencies and mitigate risks. Through the replacement of paper processes with online programs and a greater understanding gained of their overall technology needs including staff training, business applications, website and data security, and reporting policies, OMITT anticipates saving nearly 700 staff hours annually.
The time savings provided through the project will create domino effects throughout the organization that allow staff to focus on increasing revenue and expanding programs. Currently, OMITT serves roughly 300 students annually. Through implementing their technology plan, they anticipate having the capacity to serve over 900 students annually over the next few years, tripling their impact.
Rose shares, “Apparo is Charlotte’s best kept secret. The value Apparo brings to an organization is truly immeasurable. The experience Apparo provides creates such an incredible impact. Once we have our foundations in order, we can address increased enrollment. Having the right tools gives us the capacity to manage more students. Working with CapTech has been a pleasure. They helped me to strategically navigate our organization to address our policies, processes, and technology needs to promote and sustain growth. Hats off to the CapTech team! Job well done!”.
Not only will OMITT have the expanded capacity to support an additional 600+ students annually, but through provided technology solutions and implementation strategies, they will be well-positioned to continue sustainably growing.
“I have seen firsthand the incredible dedication and hard work of the team behind this nonprofit that cares so much about their mission and the impact they’re making. It’s been an honor to join Rose and her team on their journey. Through programs like these, Apparo continues to transform lives and build stronger communities.” -Jon Shannon, WSP
More from skilled volunteers about their experience engaging with this project:
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with OMITT’s driven staff. The OMITT model has exactly what it takes to make an enormous positive impact on our community–it was such a privilege to give the staff some tools to amplify that impact!” – Mary Grinton, CapTech
“I love working with Apparo projects because I’m able to use the skills I have acquired to learn about and support organizations in my own city that I don’t regularly engage with but are an important part of the Charlotte community and so deserving of much more attention. Apparo connects me with those organizations and gives me an avenue to make this city better. And Rose’s infectious delight for life and her passion for her organization make me grateful to be able to help and reinvigorates my passions.” -Tina Schurr, CapTech
“Working with OMITT has been one of the highlights of my weeks over the last few months. The G.A.I.N. Program provided a great balance between structure and flexibility, allowing us to work with Rose to create a technology plan that is unique to OMITT.” – Danielle Okun, CapTech
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