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Les Turner ALS Foundation

Physiotherapist assisting a patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. High quality photo
Man with a disability in a wheelchair having a cheerful conversation with a woman sitting on a park bench, sharing a moment of connection and inclusion outdoors

Project at a Glance

The Les Turner ALS Foundation was struggling with siloed data, high-risk paper records, and cumbersome legacy systems that failed to support their case management needs. Sage70 delivered a comprehensive CRM assessment and strategic roadmap, transforming their fragmented infrastructure into a secure, evidence-based environment built for patient advocates.

Portrait of a smiling caucasian young disabled man in wheelchair

The Executive Summary:

The Les Turner ALS Foundation faced a critical juncture where its aging technological infrastructure began to hinder its ability to serve the ALS community effectively. By conducting a comprehensive CRM assessment, Sage70 identified significant security risks—including HIPAA compliance concerns regarding paper records—and developed a methodical transition plan to replace cumbersome legacy systems with a modern, evidence-based tech stack.

The Stats

  • 18 Strategic recommendations for security, compliance, and system migration.
  • 4+ Overpowered legacy Blackbaud systems identified for replacement.
  • 100% Shift toward a full logic model for evidence-based programmatic work.

The Context & Conflict: A Mission Stalled by Technical Debt

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is a leader in ALS patient support and research, but its internal operations were bogged down by “the old way” of doing things. Their data was siloed, fragmented, and largely inaccessible, preventing leadership from seeing the true story of their impact.

The “critical friction” was a combination of aging technology and high-risk manual processes. Staff were managing patient profiles using paper notes—a significant concern for HIPAA compliance—and were expected to use systems they were never properly trained to operate. Their current software, including The Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge, was found to be overpowered, expensive, and ill-suited for the specialized needs of case management.

The Sage70 Approach: Strategy Before Systems

Sage70’s intervention began with the understanding that the foundation didn’t just need a “systems shopping list”; they needed IT leadership and a shared approach to communication and culture.

Our strategic diagnosis included:

  • A Security First-Response: We identified and prioritized 18 immediate recommendations, ranging from HIPAA compliance and cloud migration to implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • The “Methodical” Migration: Rather than an overnight overhaul, Sage70 designed a sequenced migration plan to replace the legacy Blackbaud suite with specialized vendors designed for patient advocates.
  • Logic Model Alignment: We advised full adoption of a logic model to ensure that every technical decision—from data fields to reporting—aligned with its strategic goal of providing evidence-driven services.

The Impact: A Clear Horizon for Patient Advocacy

The result was a comprehensive roadmap that moved the foundation from chaos to clarity. By identifying the data that truly matters, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is now positioned to grow wiser, shifting staff time from manual entry to mission-focused work.

The “Ripple Effect”: By securing their data infrastructure and moving to the cloud, the foundation has not only mitigated HIPAA risks but also empowered their care teams with visual, intuitive interfaces that allow them to focus on patients rather than paper. This transformation ensures that the organization can scale its impact, providing more robust support for those living with ALS through a modern, integrated, and secure digital environment.

You’ve seen what we achieved for Les Turner ALS Foundation. Now let’s talk about your project.

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