Six Sigma methodologies have been gaining ground in the nonprofit sector, which is an interesting example of how adaptable the processes can be. One specific example is the use of Six Sigma to reduce wait times of children waiting to see a mental health professional at Children & Adolescent Treatment Services in Buffalo, NY.
According to the online edition of Buffalo Business First, in 2011 “the organization went from 300 children on its waiting list to less than 50, while reducing the total cycle time from 65 days down to about 25 days from the time of the first call until the first scheduled therapy session.”
In addition to these results, referrals began increasing because word got out that wait times had decreased. As a result of the organization’s commitment to make important changes, they gained $200,000 in new business and savings combined, according to the Buffalo Business First Newsletter. This success was made possible through a series of community partnerships. The organization was able to secure a grant which then funded a consulting team through a local college.
The United Way has provided related services to nonprofits since 2007. The work of nonprofit organizations across the United States addresses the needs of many populations that would not otherwise receive an array of vital social services. Today over 60 organizations have been made more effective through the adaptation of Six Sigma strategies within these unique settings though the work of the Buffalo-Erie United Way.
These expanding partnerships are inspiring as well as interesting. In the case of the Buffalo United Way Six Sigma projects, they are directed in part by William Hill a retired Six Sigma director (formerly of Honeywell). They coordinate training for local nonprofits looking to improve their organizational effectiveness. In many cases the organizations are trying to learn ways to reduce wait times and get their services to more people each day. In some instances, the number of people an organization can serve has doubled through Six Sigma applications.
Groups receive training through William Hill’s expertise and continue developing their projects between the training sessions. The results directly impact the lives of people who rely on the nonprofit sector for everything from mental health services to credit counseling. The programs are offered on a rotating basis and the impressive results continue with each new cohort that makes it through the training. Qualifying organizations can receive the training for free.
When committing to Six Sigma training and certification, most professionals are thinking about career advancement and improving business profitability outcomes. In Hill’s retirement, sharing his Six Sigma training and expertise with others has literally saved lives. For business professionals who want to make a true difference in this world, the opportunity is there to grow a set of skills that can make a direct and meaningful contribution toward the well-being of others; and that I would say is a pretty large return on a solid educational investment.
