Face to Face/Sonoma County AIDS Network
Increased visibility and efficiency through technological improvements
In 2004, Face to Face/Sonoma County AIDS Network (F2F) provided services to 440 individuals living with HIV and to their loved ones, and reached thousands of people through their prevention education programs.
When outreach to Latinos caused the agency’s caseload to grow larger than ever, F2F needed better ways to track cases, share information, conduct outreach, promote its events, and gain new funding.
Their challenges: aging computers that ran on outdated operating systems, a very old file server, reliance on a volunteer for IT management, and, while F2F had a Web site, it did not promote
essential activities in ways that really benefited the agency.
In 2003, F2F hired Fawn Moran as an executive assistant, and her role soon evolved to include management of IT needs. “After reading articles and downloading a sample on TechSoup, I created a technology plan,” explains Fawn.
At TechSoup Stock, she acquired Microsoft Small Business Server 2003, enabling staff to share files electronically and save two hours a day on processing client forms. With central email, 20 hours per caseworker is saved monthly, which means more time spent providing services.
After converting a desktop computer into a file server, Fawn ordered Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition software to protect the new system. With Macromedia Dreamweaver and Fireworks, she added over 80 pages to F2F’s Web site—including volunteer resources and ways to support the organization. “We saved thousands of dollars by keeping our Web development and maintenance in-house,” says Fawn.
And, a new Web site has reduced the need for fundraising brochures. “Earlier this year, one funder read about our care and outreach programs online, and confirmed his donation of $60,000.” “We’re moving from a brochure-style Web site to a more dynamic presentation,” Fawn adds. “Now more people in our community know about us, which helps us serve all residents of Sonoma County.”
