SHATech Collaborative

The SHATech Collaborative consists of New Jersey organizations that have pooled their resources to use the services of a web-based client and administrative tracking system. The system, called AWARDS (Affordable Wide Area Relational Database Systems), was created by Foothold Technology, a company specializes in database systems for nonprofits.

AWARDS allows agencies to track client and administrative information on the web, saving the agency from having to purchase their own database software, network computers, or supply technical support. To use AWARDS, you need only a computer and an Internet connection.

In addition to removing the technological burden, the system also helps agencies save time by automating the process of information tracking. AWARDS collects all the client data needed for QCMR reports, the HUD HMIS requirements for McKinney Housing reports, and agency data needed for quality measures.

Nick Scharlatt from Foothold
steers SHA members through AWARDS, the web-based data entry system for nonprofits.

Each agency in the SHATech Collaborative pays a fee based on the size of the programs they wish to track in this system. They can use it for their entire agency or only for specific programs, allowing the staff to gradually acclimate to computerized data entry. Current members of the Collaborative are Advance Housing, Collaborative Support Services (CSP-NJ), and Project Live

Nick Scharlatt from Foothold came to New Jersey to demonstrate the ins and outs of the system. The time-saving advantages of the AWARDS system was the highlight for the trainees, who were excited at the ease of record-keeping and reporting on everything from client housing to agency referral. At one point in the training, a few members of the group raised their hands in excitement. "That wasn't a question," Nick confirmed, "that was a jump for joy."

Currently, SHA is in the process of gathering other agencies to join the collaborative. If you'd like more information or would be interested in seeing a demo, please contact us at 908-931-1131 or sha@shanj.org. For more information about AWARDS, visit Foothold Technology's web site.
	John Kulesza, Marilyn Ott (far right), and Christina Vargas from CSP-NJ have fun learning the web-based tracking system as part of the SHATech Collaborative.