Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Partner for Nonprofit and Government Solutions
WRI partners with mission-driven agencies to thoughtfully and efficiently meet organizational objectives. Known for flexibility and responsiveness, the company helps clients creatively seize opportunities and overcome obstacles through administration, evaluation, consulting, and publication services. As both a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and a quasi-governmental agency, WRI leverages its unique status to deliver quality results that advance clients' community impact.Founded in 1967, the organization combines decades of experience with a commitment to inclusion and continuous learning, treating colleagues and the public with respect and humility while amplifying voices of lived experience.
Services
Administration
Evaluation
Consulting
Publications
Event Planning
Program Management
Data Analysis
Training Support
Grant Administration
Policy Development
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of experience in nonprofit and government sector support
- Customized solutions tailored to client needs
- Proven expertise in program evaluation and data analysis
- Dedicated team with multidisciplinary expertise
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment
Services
Program Evaluation
WRI conducts comprehensive program evaluations using surveys, focus groups, and data analysis to measure efficacy and impact. Our team employs SPSS and Dedoose software to transform complex data into actionable insights, prioritizing voices of those directly affected by client services. With decades of experience in government and nonprofit sectors, we help organizations demonstrate outcomes and improve service delivery.
Event Planning
We provide end-to-end event planning support for virtual, in-person, and hybrid conferences. From venue selection and budget management to post-event evaluations, our team ensures seamless execution of meetings ranging from small workshops to large-scale summits. With expertise in technical production and attendee engagement, we create impactful experiences that align with organizational goals.
Grant Administration
Our grant administration services streamline fund distribution and compliance reporting for complex programs. We manage application processes, payment systems, and data tracking for initiatives like the Education and Training Voucher program, ensuring efficient delivery of resources to eligible recipients while maintaining rigorous fiscal accountability standards.
Consulting Services
WRI offers strategic consulting for organizational development and policy implementation. Our experts facilitate cross-system collaborations, develop implementation strategies, and provide technical assistance for initiatives like the Family First Act and federal diligent recruitment grants. We combine deep sector knowledge with practical problem-solving to drive sustainable improvements.
Publication Design
We create accessible publications that communicate complex information effectively. Our team produces training manuals, policy guides, and outreach materials in print and digital formats, incorporating plain language principles and visual design elements. Recent projects include companion guides for housing resources tailored to individuals with developmental disabilities.
People
Darlene Ward
Executive Director
Darlene Ward leads WRI with over 20 years of experience in child welfare and nonprofit management. Prior roles include Assistant Coordinator of the Child Welfare Court Improvement Project and Executive Director for Court Appointed Special Advocates of New York State. She holds advanced degrees in English and Community Psychology.
Lawrence Poitras
CFO and Director of Operations
Lawrence Poitras oversees financial operations with 30+ years of nonprofit fiscal expertise. He manages agency finances, human resources, and stakeholder reporting while ensuring compliance with accounting standards. He earned his accounting degree summa cum laude from The Sage Colleges of Albany.
Elizabeth Carivan
Director of Financial Support Programs
Elizabeth Carivan administers financial assistance programs with three decades of nonprofit management experience. She oversees award payment processes and fiscal compliance for education and training voucher initiatives, leveraging expertise in program implementation and accounting systems.
Lisa Casciotti
Director of Events and Publications
Lisa Casciotti leads event coordination and publication design with a background in graphic design and fine arts. She manages virtual and in-person events while creating visual materials that enhance client communication, combining creative expertise with project management skills.
Kerri Barglof
Program Manager
Kerri Barglof manages youth engagement initiatives with a decade of social justice advocacy experience. A certified mediator and social work professional, she specializes in affordable housing and foster care support, holding advanced degrees in social work with mental health specialization.
Questions
What types of organizations does WRI Solutions work with?
We partner with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and foundations focused on child welfare, mental health, housing, and developmental disabilities services across New York State.
How does WRI ensure program effectiveness?
We use rigorous evaluation methods including surveys, focus groups, and data analysis to measure impact while prioritizing feedback from program participants and stakeholders.
Can WRI help with event planning outside New York?
While based in Albany, we provide virtual event support nationwide and have coordinated national conferences through our online platform expertise.
What makes WRI's consulting services unique?
Our team combines direct sector experience with technical expertise in policy implementation, program evaluation, and cross-system collaboration for sustainable solutions.
How long has WRI been in operation?
Founded in 1967, WRI Solutions has over 55 years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations through research, evaluation, and technical assistance.
Does WRI offer publication design services?
Yes, we create accessible print and digital materials including training manuals, policy guides, and outreach publications tailored to diverse audiences.
