Accenture Supports Nonprofit Case Management System: Reducing Burnout, Strengthening Survivor Support
Shining Light in Darkness is a Durham-based organization on a mission to light the way for hope and healing for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. They are a nonprofit that envisions a world where every survivor is seen, heard, and supported, so they can feel empowered to heal and rebuild their lives. Shining Light is faithfully committed to caring deeply for those in underserved communities.
Behind the scenes, the organization’s reliance on spreadsheets and manual processes made it harder to keep up with the growing community need. “We were using Excel spreadsheets to input client data,” shared Executive Director Ed Dudley. “And it was disjointed… especially when it came time to run reports. Nobody on our team is an Excel expert, so it was very time-consuming.” As referrals increased, so did the administrative burden. Staff spent valuable time entering data multiple times, piecing together reports, and navigating disconnected systems. It became clear that to grow sustainably and serve more survivors effectively, they needed a better foundation.
As the recipient of the 2025 Triangle Mission Possible Award, Shining Light In Darkness partnered with a skilled volunteer team from Accenture to implement a trauma-informed case management system using Sumac.
Through the Mission Possible process, the team worked alongside volunteers to assess current challenges, define system requirements, evaluate multiple platforms, and ultimately select a tool aligned with their long-term goals.
The new system centralizes client, case, and referral data into a single, secure platform. It allows staff to track services in real time, generate reports instantly, and maintain the level of confidentiality required when working with sensitive survivor information. The impact was immediate and measurable. By eliminating duplicate data entry and streamlining workflows, the organization expects to save 15 to 30 hours each week, resulting in meaningful change. Staff can respond to clients more quickly, manage caseloads more effectively, and spend more time focused on direct service rather than administrative tasks.
The system also strengthens how the organization understands and communicates its impact. With real-time reporting, Shining Light In Darkness can now track services delivered, monitor outcomes, and quickly generate accurate, funder-ready reports. They can now tell their story faster and with confidence and clarity to all constituents.
Strengthening People, Programs, and the Future
The benefits extend beyond data management and cybersecurity. Reducing manual workload helps ease staff burnout and creates space for a healthier, more sustainable work environment. In a field where emotional demands are high, that shift is critical. The organization is simultaneously building a stronger foundation for growth. With a scalable system in place, Shining Light In Darkness can expand its reach, identify service gaps, and ensure more survivors receive timely, coordinated care.
Reflecting on the experience, Dudley shared his appreciation:
“Thank you and your entire team at Apparo for what you do for nonprofits. We need all the support that we can get, especially during this time… a little support a nonprofit can get, whether it’s training or tech services, it’s just great.” He also emphasized the impact behind the work itself, noting that the progress they’ve made “is because of Mission Possible.” In regards to the volunteer team, his feedback was simple: they were “absolutely great to work with.”
With stronger systems in place, Shining Light In Darkness is now better equipped to grow alongside the needs of the community it serves. They can spend less time managing data and more time doing what matters most: supporting survivors on their path forward. Volunteer Mallika Dey reflected on the experience, sharing that “this is the best part of the entire journey, to see the impact.”
