As a small nonprofit, Esperanza Inc. relies on its communication systems to help provide education, support and scholarships to Greater Cleveland’s Hispanic students and families. Three years ago, the 20-employee organization was challenged by the need for an updated phone system — a costly expenditure that would strain its budget.
“As we were growing, our old phone system was no longer adequate,” says Esperanza’s executive director, Victor Ruiz. “We had a lot of dropped calls and a limited number of lines. On occasion we had to resort to using our own cell phones. We needed an affordable solution that still kept us in the 21st century.”
That’s where Ohio.net came in. The fifth-generation, full-service Internet tech company specializing in Voice Over Internet Protocol has been supplying nonprofits with used hardware for the past five years. The phones, donated by Ohio.net’s corporate customers, are retooled by the firm’s IT department before finding new homes.
“This was a customer-driven project,” says Alex Desberg, sales director for Ohio.net. “We would get donations of used VoIP systems from customers of ours who were closing a site and had 10 to 15 phones they weren’t going to use any more. Rather than scrapping them, we became involved with a couple of nonprofits who needed to update their technology.”
The repaired and updated phone systems have proved an invaluable resource for cash-strapped nonprofits. “There are technology challenges for smaller nonprofits that are often started on shoestring budgets,” says Desberg. “By bringing them into the new realm of technology, it helps them to grow.”
That refurbished technology was a perfect fit for Esperanza’s headquarters on West 25th Street. “It was tailored to our needs,” says Ruiz, who plans to expand the nonprofit’s workforce. “We have better communication within the organization and can provide better customer service. People who call us can now leave messages in both English and Spanish, which is important to our organization.”
Ohio.net stays involved with each nonprofit after the initial donation by providing on-going service and support at a discounted price.
In addition to providing VoIP technology, the company offers high-speed Internet, digital phone, hosting, network and support services. Through its work with Esperanza, which focuses on high school dropout prevention programs, Ohio.net also became involved with the Hispanic Business Center.
“We’re looking for those grassroots organizations that are strapped for funds,” says Desberg. “Last year we moved approximately 150 phones through our donating program. Our IT department is able to give them a second life. This is VoIP hardware with a lot of value.”
Ohio.net also acts as a facilitator for donations that do not come through its customers. “It’s very much a referral program at this point,” says Desberg. “If someone has phones to donate, we’ll come out and get them. If we don’t find a home for this technology, it ends up in a dumpster.”
Switching to an upgraded phone system was an easy call for Ruiz. “We don’t have to use our cell phones anymore,” he quips.