For more than 190 years, NewPath Child & Family Solutions has been helping children, families, and communities overcome trauma and build brighter futures. As a nonprofit behavioral health and child welfare organization, NewPath provides residential treatment, foster care services, behavioral health programs, educational support, and family services throughout Southwest Ohio.
NewPath’s residential treatment program serves some of the region’s most vulnerable youth, providing a safe and therapeutic environment where children can heal, learn healthy life skills, and prepare for a successful future. With more than 900 referrals annually and a growing demand for services, NewPath continues to expand its facilities and programs to meet critical community needs.
Challenge: Technology, More than a Business Tool
For NewPath, technology is more than a business tool; it’s a critical component of delivering care. Staff members rely on secure access to client information, communication systems, educational technology, remote access, and reporting platforms to support children and families throughout their healing journey.
As the organization expanded across multiple campuses and facilities, NewPath faced several technology challenges, from maintaining reliable network connectivity across locations to supporting more than 200 employees working onsite and remotely.
NewPath also needs support to ensure secure access to sensitive client information and to keep its infrastructure up to date and safe from evolving cybersecurity threats.
According to Joe Thompson, IT Manager at NewPath, “Uninterrupted and secure technology is essential because staff members need constant access to systems that support therapy, education, and client services. Providing life-changing care requires reliable, secure technology.”
Solution: Trusted and Supportive Partner
Thompson joined NewPath eight years ago. Before Thompson, LK Tech was NewPath’s trusted technology partner with an on-site employee providing IT support to the organization throughout the week.
Thompson now relies on LK Tech as a trusted resource for technical expertise, strategic planning, and backup support when needed.
“They’re my lifeline,” Thompson said. “They allow me to support our staff while knowing I have experts I can count on.”
Together, Thompson and LK Tech build and maintain a reliable technology foundation across multiple campuses by:
- Expanding wireless coverage and access points
- Upgrading network hardware and switches
- Recommending and replacing aging infrastructure
- Supporting secure VPN connectivity for remote employees
- Keeping systems current and optimized for performance
Whether staff are working from offices, schools, residential programs, or community locations, LK Tech helps ensure they have secure access to the tools they need.
Ongoing Facility Support
Recently, NewPath opened a new residential program facility in Cincinnati that includes 1,850 square feet and 16 beds. As part of the renovation, NewPath also converted an unfinished basement into a therapeutic gathering space, complete with a restroom and sensory room.
LK Tech supported the technology upgrades for the residential facility by improving network coverage, replacing outdated equipment, installing new switches, and modernizing connectivity throughout the building.
The successful opening reminded Thompson of NewPath’s move to its main campus two years ago.
“LK Tech played a critical role during our move to our main campus in 2024,” said Thompson. “Despite an accelerated timeline, LK Tech carefully planned and executed the migration, maintaining operations at existing locations while preparing the new campus for day-one readiness.”
During the planning process, LK Tech was digging through old blueprints of the building, which was built in the 1860s. They made copies and drawings, and updated the schematics.
“When LK Tech gets involved, they don’t just do a job and walk away,” said Corina Anaple, associate director of philanthropic giving. “They are thorough and great about following up. They know what we do, care about what we do, and aren’t going to send a giant bill that we haven’t prepared for.”
Thompson recalled how one LK Tech employee practically lived on campus during that transition, providing the time and effort needed to make sure the organization’s west campus was still up, and staff were still working during the transition.
He concluded, “When we made the move to the new location, everything was working. We had access to files, servers, and systems without interruption. The move went better than we could have expected.”
Proactive Security and Strategic Guidance
Beyond big projects and day-to-day support, LK Tech helps NewPath stay ahead of emerging technology and cybersecurity challenges.
According to Thompson, LK Tech often alerts the organization to potential security concerns before NewPath becomes aware of them.
“They always seem like they’re in front of things,” he said. “In most cases, I already have an email from them when I get to work.”
When it comes to new products or services, Thompson knows he can trust LK Tech for recommendations.
“I know I can trust LK Tech,” he said. “They find the best solution that fits our budget and have our best interests at heart. They care about our work and help us provide proper support for our kids.”
An Extension of the IT Team and a True Partnership
What makes the relationship unique is that LK Tech’s commitment extends beyond technology.
The LK Tech team regularly attends NewPath ribbon cuttings, events, and community activities, demonstrating genuine investment in the organization’s mission and the youth it serves.
“It doesn’t feel like their relationship with NewPath is simply a revenue stream,” Anaple said. “They’re invested in what we do. It’s refreshing to have a partner that pours into us through technology and in other ways.”
Thompson added, “They find the best solution for our needs and budget, and they always have our best interests at heart. I would 100% recommend LK Tech.”
