Centric Consulting supported United Way of Iredell County with a comprehensive technology plan.
The United Way of Iredell County works to improve the community and its people by bringing partners together to meet local health and human service needs. Their mission guides their work every day, from strengthening nonprofits to building meaningful community connections. As their organization continues to grow, ensuring that their internal systems and processes can support that growth is essential.
At Apparo, we strongly believe technology and clear processes create the foundation for lasting impact. Through our Community Impact Projects, we connect nonprofits with skilled corporate volunteers to solve complex challenges and build sustainable solutions.
United Way of Iredell County recently partnered with a team of skilled volunteers from Centric Consulting to develop a comprehensive technology plan that will support future growth and strengthen day to day operations.
Project Participants
Nonprofit Team: United Way of Iredell County
- Brett Eckerman
- Linda Wahlberg
Skilled Volunteer Team: Centric
- Lara Hawkins
- Jason Daniels
- Jeremy Thomas
- Milurka Sanchez
- Kathryn Mitchell
The Opportunity: From Uncertainty to Clarity
Like many nonprofits, United Way of Iredell County operates with a small but dedicated team managing a wide range of responsibilities. Because of this, as their technology needs expanded, it became more difficult to clearly understand how systems worked together.
Linda Wahlberg reflected on this challenge: “None of us are software gurus or system gurus or tech gurus.”
Without dedicated internal IT resources, much of the organization’s knowledge was concentrated with individuals rather than documented in shared systems. This posed a risk to continuity of operations if key personnel, such as Linda, were to leave or retire, and created challenges for succession planning.
Initially, the team expected a narrow review of their software tools. Instead, the project uncovered a broader opportunity to strengthen their entire technology ecosystem and bring greater clarity to how their work is supported behind the scenes.
The Solution: A Comprehensive Technology Plan
Through collaboration with Centric volunteers, the United Way team gained a deeper understanding of their systems, workflows, and areas for improvement. The process resulted in a structured, multi-year technology plan that provides a clear path forward so the nonprofit can focus more on their mission work.
For Linda and the team, one of the most valuable outcomes was the insight gained along the way.
“You don’t know what you don’t know. Because of Apparo and the Centric volunteers, I learned and gained a lot through the process,” Linda shared.
This new clarity allows the organization to move forward with confidence, shifting from reactive problem-solving to intentional, strategic planning.
Key Themes: What This Technology Plan Reinforces
Linda detailed several things she learned through this process.
- Documentation supports sustainability
For smaller teams, documenting systems and processes is essential to reduce risk and ensure continuity. - A strong foundation reduces risk
Even seemingly small improvements can have a significant impact on organizational stability.
“We didn’t realize our data wasn’t being backed up which posed a huge risk to us. If nothing else comes out of this, that was a huge benefit to us,” Linda shared.
- Efficiency creates capacity for impact
When processes are clear and systems are aligned; staff can spend more time advancing the mission and less time troubleshooting.
“Work smarter, not harder. Implementing the tech plan will be a process, but once we do we will save money and have a much more secure and tech-forward nonprofit,” Linda shared.
The Impact: More Time, Better Decisions, Greater Reach
With a clear technology plan in place, United Way of Iredell County anticipates meaningful improvements across their organization.
Internally, staff will benefit from clearer processes, easier onboarding, and better access to information. These improvements reduce friction in daily operations and create a more supportive work environment.
“Now that we have this plan, it doesn’t seem so intimidating, it feels doable. We have priorities and direction now,” Linda shared.
Externally, the organization expects stronger connections with donors and volunteers as systems become more integrated and intentional.
Importantly, this work also creates a foundation for future innovation. By strengthening security, data practices, and processes now, the organization is better positioned to explore new opportunities in the future.
“We have to make sure the foundation is solid before we can start expanding,” Linda shared.
Volunteer Reflections
The Centric Consulting volunteers reflected on their experience with this project.
“It was a privilege to partner with United Way of Iredell County on this project. Their team was incredibly open and engaged throughout the process, which allowed us to work together to uncover insights and build a clear, actionable technology roadmap. Seeing their commitment to strengthening their foundation so they can better serve the community made this experience especially meaningful,” Lara Hawkins of Centric Consulting shared.
“What stood out most to me was the team’s willingness to learn and evolve. This project was about more than technology. It was about building clarity, reducing risk, and creating sustainable processes that will support their long-term impact. I’m proud of the work we accomplished together and excited to see how they continue to grow from here,” Milurka Sanchez of Centric Consulting shared.
A Stronger Path Forward
One of the most meaningful outcomes of this project is a renewed sense of clarity and momentum. What once felt overwhelming now feels manageable and achievable.
“Working with Apparo and Centric Consulting was a very positive experience for me. I’m excited to see what other efficiencies we can gain out of it,” Linda said.
This is the power of Apparo’s Community Impact Projects in action. By connecting nonprofit leaders with skilled corporate volunteers, we help organizations strengthen their foundations and unlock new opportunities for growth.
At Apparo, our mission is to transform communities by connecting nonprofits to technology expertise and resources that amplify their impact. Projects like this demonstrate how investing in strong systems today creates lasting impact for tomorrow.
