Our Work
Paving the Way for a Brighter Future
Eckerd Connects
UpRys Employer of Record Platform Elevates National Nonprofit
Eckerd Connects is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides a full continuum of life changing services to children, young adults, adults, and dislocated workers. Since the organization’s launch back in 1968, Eckerd Connects has grown to help hundreds of thousands of clients get the second chance that everyone deserves.
Five decades later with a presence in 20 states, Eckerd Connects family of services has expanded to include foster care, adoption, workforce development, aid for the homeless, transitional services for troubled youth, and so much more.
Across the country, Eckerd Connects Workforce Development division works hard to keep America’s workforce educated and engaged. By leveraging the experience and innovative approach of the UpRys Employer-of-Record platform, we are enhancing Eckerd’s work experience efforts to reach more families. Eckerd’s tireless dedication is changing the lives of children and families and now, we can make a bigger impact on those who need it the most.
– Lauren Lewis, Senior Director, Finance, Workforce Development, Eckerd Connects
The Situation
The Workforce Development division of Eckerd Connects provides youth and young adults job readiness training and on-site work experience opportunities through federally funded projects via the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
In 2021 Eckerd Connects issued a request for proposal (RFP) to Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) throughout the country for payroll support for their workforce experience programming.
Columbus-based Business Process Optimization firm UpRys responded to the RFP recommending their employer-of-record (EOR) platform in place of a PEO solution. UpRys proposed digitizing their payroll support experience including implementation of an online onboarding process, time keeping/approval, and payroll via electronic funds transfer (EFT).
In January of 2022, UpRys was awarded the contract to provide employer-of-record support for Eckerd’s Workforce Development division in the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
The Goals
UpRys’ initial goal was to understand Eckerd’s industry, business objectives, and geographical footprint. The compliance landscape was carefully examined, ensuring that UpRys’ services aligned with the legal requirements of the client’s locations.
Through comprehensive discussions, UpRys approached the next goal of defining the scope of services, covering areas such as client and employee onboarding, payroll processing, invoicing, insurance, tax compliance, and help desk support. UpRys’ systems were meticulously configured, tailored to accommodate Eckerd’s unique payroll needs.
Streamlined participant onboarding and timely payroll processing followed. Eckerd participants received accurate pay on time, with a seamless rhythm, a testament to UpRys’ commitment to precision. UpRys became an extension of the client’s finance and HR departments, providing consultation and support in tandem with Eckerd’s policies and expectations.
The Results
The decision by Eckerd to implement an Employer-of-Record (EOR) solution to streamline its workforce management and administration processes proved to be a pivotal step that brought about a series of impactful results.
• Reduced Costs and Increased Productivity
• Enhanced Compliance and Risk Management
• Time and Resource Savings
• Time and Resource Savings
• Enhanced Transparency and Reporting
