Nonprofit Secures 5,600+ Kids’ Data, Expands Wellness Programs and Gains 24/7 Peace of Mind with Strategic IT
Summary: Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids, a Michigan-based nonprofit serving children undergoing medical treatment, struggled with aging technology, limited support, and no strategic IT guidance. GRIT Technologies helped them modernize their systems, improve security, and gain peace of mind—freeing their team to focus fully on the kids they serve.
The Challenge
For over 20 years, Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids has supported thousands of children with hair loss due to cancer and other medical conditions—offering wigs, wellness programming, and emotional healing at no cost. But behind the scenes, their tech was crumbling.
“We started with one donated laptop,” said founder Maggie Varney. “We couldn’t afford tech support. Everything was a learning curve—and learning curves are expensive.”
With no IT partner, aging equipment, and increasing demands from virtual programming, digital records, and security compliance, the organization knew something had to change. They needed a tech partner who understood nonprofits, worked within tight budgets, and truly cared about their mission.
They don’t just fix things. They care. They go to bat for us, get us fair pricing, and help us plan for the future. That makes all the difference.
Maggie Varney
Founder & CEO
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
The Solution: A True IT Partner, Not Just a Vendor
GRIT Technologies stepped in with a full technology assessment and a roadmap. We replaced failing equipment, improved cybersecurity, and implemented a robust support system that respects their time and their mission.
From new servers and firewalls to a backup solution and 24/7 support, every element was strategically phased in to stay within their budget. GRIT’s team became an extension of theirs—responsive, respectful, and forward-thinking.
“You guys never talk down to us. You educate us, you make sure we understand it,” said Maggie. “That’s not what we had before. That’s what we have now.”
Key Features Delivered
Full technology audit and budget-based roadmap
Phased hardware refresh (server, network switch, firewall)
Datto business continuity & backup solution
Cybersecurity support and 24/7 monitoring
Phishing simulations and employee training
Disaster recovery and legal compliance planning
Friendly, fast-response help desk and onsite support
GRIT gives us peace of mind. I can sleep at night knowing someone’s watching over our systems. We’ve had other IT providers—this is different.
Jennifer Fisher
Development Director
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
By the Numbers
(Past 5 Year Total)
Support Tickets – Past 5 Years
Annual ticket totals showing consistent IT support and partnership.
“ I’m not an IT person—and I’m never talked down to. GRIT takes the time to explain things in a way I understand. That means everything to me. ”
Overcoming Roadblocks
With limited funding and years of legacy hardware, Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids couldn’t afford a total overhaul at once. GRIT worked to phase in critical updates and went to bat with vendors to get nonprofit-friendly pricing.
What’s Next: Scaling with Security and Confidence
As Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids looks ahead, they’re exploring how AI and emerging technologies can serve their mission—and they’re confident GRIT will guide them.
From virtual reality to compliance and cyber insurance, GRIT is helping them plan for tomorrow, today.
“We don’t know how AI will impact us yet,” said Maggie, “but I know GRIT will make sure we’re safe—and help us use it for good.”
The Client
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids is a Michigan-based nonprofit that provides custom wigs and holistic wellness services—at no cost—to children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.
- Industry: Nonprofit (Health & Human Services)
- Location: St. Clair Shores, MI
- Size: Small team, state-wide impact
- Services Provided: Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Cloud Backup, Lifecycle Management, Help Desk Support, Disaster Recovery
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Results Snapshot
- 24/7 tech support and monitoring
- Modern, secure infrastructure (servers, backup, firewalls)
- IT downtime and disruption reduced to near zero
- Peace of mind and strategic IT planning enabled future growth
- On-budget phased rollout of essential upgrades