Local Businesses and Nonprofits Partner on Major Technology Upgrades for Boys & Girls Club of Washington County

Three local businesses and two nonprofits are partnering on a $122,355 technology overhaul project for the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County's four locations scheduled to begin in late May. Spearheaded by the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County and Hagerstown-based managed service provider, Innovative Incorporated, the project will: give the organization the necessary tools to work from home and more efficiently share digital information between locations; give the kids they serve reliable access to online learning and virtual activities; and maintain network security, information privacy, and children's online safety."This technology upgrade is such a game-changer for us. We will work more efficiently and quickly, and our members will love their new computer labs! The team at Innovative listened to what we needed and made this much overdue technological leg up happen," said Addie Nardi, CEO/Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County.The Boys and Girls Club of Washington County allocated $16,000 to the project and received a $10,000 grant from the Truist Foundation to make necessary technology upgrades. After an initial network evaluation, it was apparent more significant upgrades were required than funding allowed. To fill the budget gap, Innovative Incorporated committed $84,760 in donated equipment and labor. In addition to regular donations of services to various nonprofits, Innovative strives to regularly donate major IT infrastructure projects to nonprofits in our community."It's been my goal since starting Innovative in 2001 to make sure that nonprofit organizations in our service area have access to the technology and support they need to serve our community best, regardless of their current budgets," said Jason Rappaport, President and CEO of Innovative Incorporated. Additionally, Innovative worked with its client, Family Healthcare of Hagerstown, and another anonymous donor, to secure the donation of slightly used firewalls and wireless access points. "We have had many opportunities to work alongside the Boys and Girls Club for many years. Our missions are different - we provide medical, dental, and integrated mental health services, and they provide a safe place to learn and grow – but we work together to ensure those who need us most receive our care and services. We are truly proud they were chosen to be the recipient of our donation," said David Becker, Chief Financial Officer, Family Healthcare of Hagerstown.With the project nearly funded, the Community Foundation of Washington County stepped in with a grant of $11,000 to fill the remaining portion of the project budget. "The Community Foundation of Washington County's mission is to inspire, grow and steward philanthropy for the benefit of our community. We are proud to partner on projects like this one which supports critical needs in Washington County," said Stacey Crawford, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Washington County.The project includes 27 new computers for the Boys and Girls Club Washington County's staff and computer labs, upgraded network infrastructure for the organization's four locations, cloud solutions to improve remote work capabilities and information sharing, and more cost-effective print and copy devices at each location. Innovative Incorporated also committed to maintaining the equipment by donating $1,400 per month in ongoing IT support, managed IT services, and managed print services to the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County."It's our long-term goal to transform the nonprofit's use of technology, not a one-and-done donation. We're striving to assist in creating a culture of using, valuing, and budgeting for technology," Rappaport said.On Wednesday, May 19, Innovative Incorporated, the Community Foundation of Washington County, and Family Healthcare of Hagerstown presented a check totaling $96,355 to the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County. The partnering organizations will host a ribbon-cutting and celebration to unveil the new technology equipment to the community upon the project's completion, tentatively planned for late June 2021.