Innovative Services NW receives $15,000 grant

CENTRAL VANCOUVER — Innovative Services NW received a $15,000 grant from Columbia Credit Union to help with building-wide upgrades to technology systems. Upgrades include a new phone system, improved Wi-Fi throughout the Mary Firstenburg Family Center and a data backup system. “These new systems will improve essential communication channels for our staff and clients, increase staff productivity through use of mobile devices, tablets and laptops, and protect our sensitive information storage, especially in case of emergency,” a news release stated. Innovative Services NW serves children and adults with disabilities, low-income families and their children, and the general public. “Funding is primarily fee-for-service and these funds are often not adequate to provide the level of service needed to address each client’s needs, much less provide for infrastructure improvements,” the news release said. “Grantors who will fund infrastructure are hard to find so we are exceptionally grateful to Columbia Credit Union for their funding of these technology upgrades, which will help us better serve our current clients and continue to grow into the future.”