Case Study: IT Services from Kerkhoff Technologies Drive Growth for Ruth and Naomi's Nonprofit Mission

Kaja Figlarska
Oct 3, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Oct 8, 2024

About Ruth and Naomi's

Ruth and Naomi's is a faith-based nonprofit in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Ted and Ann Stoker started it in 2001 by giving out sandwiches to those in need. As local demand grew, so did their organization.

Today, Ruth and Naomi's has over 100 staff across three sites. They offer a range of services:

A community center with shelter, meals, laundry, showers, and harm reduction support
A family center with affordable housing and programs for parents and children
A men's addiction recovery program with housing for up to 20 residents

"We walk with people on their journey," says Scott Gaglardi, Executive Director. "We aim to provide programs, housing, healthcare and community to help people move towards health and independence."

The Challenge

As Ruth and Naomi's grew, they faced several issues:

Poor communication between locations
Lack of in-house IT expertise due to budget limits
No clear plan for future tech needs

This is where Kerkhoff Technologies, a local IT services provider, stepped in. They've supported Ruth and Naomi's from the first cable installation to ongoing tech support.

"Kerkhoff was crucial in our initial setup," says Cheryl Giesbrecht, Operations Director. "From figuring out our needs to planning, setup, and staff training - they did it all for us."

IT Services Provided

Kerkhoff Technologies offered Ruth and Naomi's a full range of IT support:

IT infrastructure planning and setup for new sites
Ongoing IT support and helpdesk
Weekly on-site IT tech visits
Server setup and data backup
Network management and security
Microsoft 365 rollout for better teamwork
IT planning and budgeting for growth
Privacy advice for handling health data
Nonprofit-focused services through their Mission Impact brand

"Kerkhoff helps us see where we're going and what we'll need," Giesbrecht notes. "Tech changes fast - without them, we'd really struggle."

Scott Gaglardi adds, "We're not experts in areas like data security and privacy. Having Kerkhoff guide us is great."

The Outcome

Kerkhoff's IT support let Ruth and Naomi's focus on their mission, not tech issues. The weekly on-site IT visits were especially helpful.

"We used to wait in line and make tickets, which was a pain," Giesbrecht explains. "Now, with the weekly tech visits, we can save up non-urgent issues. They are always ready to help, no matter how much time we need."

Importantly, Kerkhoff tailored their services for nonprofits. They launched Mission Impact after seeing charities and nonprofits unique technology needs.

"For a nonprofit, having services like Kerkhoff's - from daily support to long-term planning - is priceless since we don't have in-house IT staff," Gaglardi says. "It lets us focus on our mission."

With Kerkhoff's help, Ruth and Naomi's grew from one outreach center to three full-service sites with over 100 staff. They expanded from basic services for those experiencing homelessness to offering housing, addiction recovery, healthcare, and family support.

"Kerkhoff has been there through our whole growth journey," Gaglardi says. "Their nonprofit experience meant they got our limits and needs. Their guidance was key to building our current setup."

Key Benefits of Managed IT Services for Nonprofits

Cost-effective expertise: Access top-tier IT support without the expense of full-time staff.
Focus on mission: Spend less time on tech issues and more on serving your community.
Scalability: Easily adjust IT services as your organization grows.
Security and compliance: Stay protected and follow regulations with expert guidance.
Strategic planning: Get help mapping out future tech needs to support your goals.
Tailored solutions: Work with providers who understand nonprofit challenges and budgets.
Improved efficiency: Streamline operations with the right tech tools and support.

The 5 Steps to Nonprofit IT Success

Ruth and Naomi's partnership with Kerkhoff Technologies shows how managed IT services can empower nonprofits. With the proper IT support, charities can overcome tech hurdles and focus on making a difference.

For nonprofits seeking similar results from their technology and IT setup, consider these steps:

Assess your current IT setup and pain points.
Research local IT service providers that have specific experience with nonprofits.
Discuss your needs and budget constraints openly.
Start small and scale services as you grow.
Leverage IT expertise for strategic planning.

Your nonprofit can build a solid tech foundation with the right IT partner, like Kerkhoff Technologies and Mission Impact, to support your mission and growth.