Team Trainings help Hope Haven strengthen cybersecurity and collaboration, allowing more time to focus on their mission.

Hope Haven is a therapeutic community that provides a foundation of recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder, so they can build healthy independent lives.

When Hope Haven began preparing for organizational growth and accreditation, their leadership recognized a familiar challenge: tools were already in place, but staff were not fully equipped to use them effectively. Through a series of team trainings with Apparo skilled volunteers Lisa Carter of SpartanTec, Inc, Freeman Burns of Movement Mortgage, and Christopher Jones of 2BWare LLC, Hope Haven staff built practical skills in cybersecurity awareness and Microsoft 365, with a focus on tools they use every day.

From Risk Reduction to Real-Time Collaboration

The first training addressed an immediate need of cybersecurity readiness. As phishing attempts became more convincing, Hope Haven wanted staff to feel confident identifying risks, protecting sensitive information, and using AI tools responsibly. The training gave clear, actionable guidance, helping reduce vulnerability and build organization-wide awareness.

From there, the focus shifted to Microsoft 365 adoption. There was a disconnect with the tools used which caused a lack of collaboration. A virtual training introduced staff to tools beyond email, followed by an in-person, manager-focused working session centered on Microsoft Teams. Instead of watching demonstrations, managers practiced setting up channels, organizing conversations, and collaborating in real time. “There’s never been a training where staff were this excited to actually use what they learned,” shared Jamie Green, VP of Finance and Administration.

Skilled volunteer Christopher Jones facilitates Microsoft 365 and cybersecurity team trainings for Hope Haven.

Saving Time So Staff Can Focus on Mission

By using Teams for faster communication and fewer in-person meetings, Hope Haven is already seeing meaningful efficiency gains. Short questions no longer require long meetings, documents are easier to find, and teams can collaborate without delays. “If I need to ask for everyone’s feedback, I can post a Teams message and get that feedback in 10 minutes, instead of having to have a 30-minute meeting. This time savings allows me to focus on the mission.” says Green. For clinical staff, faster communication supports better coordination of care. For operations and leadership, it creates space to plan for the future instead of staying stuck in day-to-day tasks.

Green shared, “We came to Apparo with a problem and then you take over and figure it out. We didn’t have to take time away from building our mission to vet vendors. Apparo taking that off our plate has been really helpful. I don’t know that it would have been done without you.”