Partnering for Change at Vanessa Behan
IntelliTect and Vanessa Behan have partnered for nearly a decade to develop the Intake and Case Management System (ICMS), a digital solution that has modernized the nursery’s processes. What began as a local project has evolved to support nurseries nationwide, empowering them to focus more on nurturing relationships rather than managing paperwork.
Modernizing Case Management
Partnering for Change at Vanessa Behan
A Legacy of Compassion
Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery was founded in 1987 in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Vanessa Behan, a victim of child abuse. Her story inspired the community to create a safe place for parents who need help providing nurturing care for their children. Since then, Vanessa Behan has supported over 103,000 children and their families through 24-hour childcare, crisis counseling, and referrals to other community resources.
Seeing Impact Firsthand
Our team recently visited the nursery to see how ICMS has impacted their day-to-day operations. Executive Director Amy Knapton Vega shared how ICMS has transformed their processes, allowing staff to spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting families.
We used to spend fifteen to twenty minutes on intake paperwork. Now, with ICMS, we have eleven more minutes to grow our relationships. That’s how change happens.
Amy Knapton Vega, Executive Director
For many team members, the visit was a deeply personal experience that underscored the value of our collaboration. Jennifer Priest, Grants & Stewardship Coordinator, highlighted how ICMS enables the staff to better track a child’s day and share real-time updates, improving care continuity.
Transitions can be tough for kids, and they’re often here for 11 hours, encountering multiple staff members. ICMS allows us to track a child’s day, so when a new staff member comes in, they know exactly what’s happened and how to best care for that child.
Jennifer Priest, Grants & Stewardship Coordinator
The Challenge: Balancing Care and Paperwork
Before ICMS, staff at Vanessa Behan faced a daunting challenge: balancing time with children against managing paper-based processes. Required by licensing to store intake forms for seven years, the paper storage became overwhelming. Amy explained, “The paperwork was clogging up our relationship with parents. We needed a solution that allowed us to focus on children, not filing cabinets.”
Streamlining Care, Building Relationships
IntelliTect collaborated with Vanessa Behan to develop ICMS, a paperless childcare management system. With features like status boards displaying critical details like allergies and meal schedules, staff can provide seamless care. “ICMS allows us to spend more time asking, ‘How can we support you?’” Amy noted. This shift has redefined the way Vanessa Behan interacts with families, focusing on meaningful connections.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Our visit to the nursery reinforced our commitment to the partnership. Seeing firsthand how technology is making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families strengthened our resolve to continue supporting Vanessa Behan’s mission.
Supporting Vanessa Behan: How You Can Help
While ICMS has revolutionized operations, Vanessa Behan still relies on the community’s generosity to provide care for Spokane’s most vulnerable children. Your support makes a direct impact, ensuring that every family in need has a safe place to turn during times of crisis.
A Legacy of Compassion
Founded in 1987 after the tragic death of two-year-old Vanessa Behan, the nursery has supported over 103,000 children through childcare, crisis counseling, and family support services.
Seeing Our Impact Firsthand
Earlier this year, our team saw firsthand how ICMS has streamlined Vanessa Behan’s operations, freeing up staff time for more meaningful interactions.
Now, with ICMS, we have eleven more minutes to grow our relationships. That’s how change happens.
Amy Knapton Vega, Executive Director
Balancing Care and Paperwork
Before ICMS, paperwork was overwhelming for staff and limited their time with children. Now, with digital records, staff can focus more on supporting families in crisis.
Building Stronger Relationships
ICMS transformed how Vanessa Behan staff engage with families, allowing for better continuity of care.
ICMS helps us track a child’s day, so when a new staff member comes in, they know exactly what’s happened and how to best care for that child.
Jennifer Priest, Grants & Stewardship Coordinator
supporting families in crisis
Your donation ensures that Vanessa Behan can continue providing care and support to families in need.
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