Impact NW is dedicated to preventing homelessness by strengthening and stabilizing households. Through case management and resource connections, they ensure families remain housed, assist in securing housing for those in need, and provide children and youth programming. Additionally, they operate walk-in resource centers at schools and medical centers to support their community’s diverse needs.
Product: Apricot
Use cases:
Following a major database migration and the departure of their internal data lead, Impact NW was left navigating unfamiliar territory with high stakes. Without a unified approach to data entry or reporting, they struggled to meet grant reporting requirements and track outcomes effectively. The move to Apricot – meant to simplify operations – had stalled due to resource gaps and varied program needs. They needed a partner to untangle the complexity and rebuild a system that could scale their goals.
Treadwell joined the project post-migration and immediately became a strategic partner in helping Impact NW regain control of their data infrastructure. The first step was assessing the state of the Apricot database and aligning it with the diverse and occasionally inconsistent processes used across Impact NW’s many programs. Rather than forcing a standardized approach, Treadwell focused on rebuilding core functionality with flexibility – ensuring each program’s unique needs were reflected in the system’s design.
To manage complexity and drive momentum, the team prioritized programs with the most immediate needs – such as those with critical grant reporting deadlines or lacking structured data capture processes. Treadwell led structured discovery meetings with program staff, identifying pain points and translating real-world workflows into streamlined, scalable database solutions. This approach not only improved accuracy and consistency across the system but also reduced administrative burden on frontline staff.
One key innovation was the reconfiguration of how households and family members were tracked within Apricot. This adjustment eliminated redundant data entry and improved reporting clarity, especially for programs dealing with high volumes of clients. Additionally, Treadwell introduced advanced reporting tools, enabling teams to identify data inconsistencies early and submit funder reports faster and more accurately. In one case, a program that had struggled with monthly reporting was able to cut prep time significantly and deliver higher-quality data with minimal effort.
Treadwell also recognized that technology alone wasn’t enough – the people using the system needed to feel confident and capable. In collaboration with database specialist, Treadwell created and delivered customized, program-specific training using Impact NW’s own language and examples. Rather than offering generic tutorials, the sessions were practical, accessible, and directly tied to daily tasks. This was paired with a “train-the-trainer” model, enabling internal leaders to scale training across teams without additional external support.
Throughout the process, Treadwell emphasized relationship-building and flexibility. We adapted as needs evolved, consistently troubleshooting, clarifying processes, and offering strategic insight. By positioning Apricot not just as a database, but as a tool to support fieldwork and improve client outcomes, Treadwell helped lay the foundation for Impact NW’s long-term goal: becoming a fully digital, data-driven organization.
Treadwell’s partnership with Impact NW delivered more than just a technical solution – it laid the foundation for a smarter, more connected organization. By rebuilding and optimizing their Apricot system, aligning it with real-world program needs, and equipping staff to confidently manage it, Treadwell helped transform a complex challenge into a scalable infrastructure for growth.
Today, Impact NW is no longer just maintaining its data – they’re using it to drive decisions, improve reporting, and enhance service delivery in the field. With strong internal ownership, improved workflows, and a growing digital culture, the organization is now positioned to realize its long-term goal of going fully paperless.
By investing in a thoughtful, people-first implementation process, Impact NW has turned Apricot into a powerful tool – not just for compliance or reporting, but for advancing its mission to prevent homelessness and support vulnerable families more effectively than ever before.
Treadwell’s staff’s level of understanding and knowledge about our organization and programs has been instrumental to our success. They constantly go above and beyond to find solutions that work for us and meet us where we are at. Thanks to Treadwell, our team has developed the confidence and skills to rely on Apricot for everything from everyday tasks to achieving long-term goals.
Chloe Falk, Database Specialist
Every mission needs a clear road forward, and we are here to help you navigate yours. Let’s work together to simplify data and amplify your impact.
