If there is one thing that is true in our world today, across all industries, it's that technology is more critical than ever. From websites and social media to databases and security systems, having up-to-date technology can make or break your organization. This can be a tough challenge in nonprofits, as resources and people-power are often limited. But, here at Grace's Table, technology goes beyond ensuring everything runs smoothly. The systems we use are critical for ensuring the Teen Mamas in our care receive the support they need and have access to the correct resources.

 Code for Good West Michigan is an organization that is "dedicated to helping nonprofits expand their outreach capacity, activate their communities, and empower their members to forge their image of a better tomorrow." This year, Grace's Table was honored to be selected as one of 10 nonprofits to participate in their Weekend for Good event. Over the span of 72 hours, a team of experts worked diligently to create a database system specific to Grace's Table's needs around tracking and measuring the goals of the mamas in our program.

Doing this kind of work in three days is challenging, and working with a team of people you've never met makes it even more so. But our staff and the coding team were able to work through the challenges of communication and work together to create something amazing. 

Each project team consisted of 7-8 members who volunteered their time for this event. In addition to these team members, there were several "floaters" whose job was to hop from team to team and help wherever needed.

One of these floaters joined the Grace's Table team but never left. Instead, he became an integral part of the team, helped the entire project come together, and even gave the introduction for the final presentation. He pulled our Executive Director aside and said, "I wanted to work with your team because of my mom. My life would have been so different if my mom had had a program like yours." 

Perhaps a software designing event is the last place you'd expect to make this kind of connection, but it made the weekend so much more meaningful. It goes to show that you never know who you will meet or how your story will impact their life!

Thank you to all the fantastic volunteers and the Code for Good West Michigan team for making this weekend possible. We can't wait to see how the work put in can help the Teen Mamas we serve!