Hellenic Foundation is a community-focused organization nestled in the heart of Chicagoland, dedicated to serving the needs of the local Greek population. They’ve been a beacon of support and care in the area since 1997, offering everything from grant programs to philanthropic efforts, and notably, a homecare program serving more than 280 clients daily. Before using HHAeXchange, Hellenic Foundation was managing its operations with a different homecare management platform—one that wasn’t adequately serving their needs. For the most part, their existing billing and scheduling processes were adequate, but the system was outdated. They began to explore modern homecare management systems once it became clear that the platform they were using was no longer being supported.
The team was uncertain about undergoing a big software transition, but when HHAeXchange was named the aggregator for Illinois, they started warming up to the idea. “We started considering the time savings that could be realized by billing through the HHAeXchange platform,” said Tasia Phassos, Hellenic Foundation’s Community Care Program Manager, who was responsible for overseeing the transition to HHAeXchange. It was a moment of realization that spurred the Foundation to seek a better, more efficient system.
“What we found was most beneficial—what HHAeXchange truly excelled at—was the quality of its implementation team and its support team.”
Tasia Phassos, Community Care Program Manager, Hellenic Foundation
While Hellenic Foundation was excited about the idea of a modern homecare management system, they were hesitant to make the change because a decision this large impacts the entire team and can be a challenging experience. Learning a new system can be daunting for staff. “It’s the initial training and transition that’s critical in getting staff comfortable with the program because change can be traumatic under any experience — it’s like learning a new language,” said Peter Valessares, Executive Director at Hellenic Foundation.
For the Hellenic Foundation, the support and efficiency of the HHAeXchange team made all the difference. “What we found was most beneficial—what HHAeXchange truly excelled at—was the quality of its implementation team and its support team,” Phassos said. “The whole process was very effective. The HHAeXchange implementation team was not just onboarding yet another provider — they were focused on making the experience comfortable and reassuring for everyone involved.”
Phassos continued, “The team was outstanding in addressing the concerns and fears of staff. They provided the necessary training and allowed for the necessary timeline to become comfortable before going live. That’s where HHAeXchange stands above all others. They’re ready, able, and willing to address our needs in a timely manner, and it takes fear out of the equation.”
One of Hellenic Foundation’s most memorable outcomes of the partnership was how HHAeXchange focused on the needs of a growing organization like themselves, when often, larger organizations receive the highest priority. “As a smaller provider, you’re always experiencing the same issues. Nothing gets resolved because you’re the bottom of the totem pole,” said Valessares.
For the Foundation, this crucial benefit goes beyond cost or time savings. “HHAeXchange gave their attention to ‘little’ Hellenic—we thought that was exceptional,” he said. “We appreciate the courtesies and the interest that have been extended to a small provider.”
“At first glance, HHAeXchange may seem a little intimidating, but once you’re there with the implementation and support teams, it comes together like hand in glove. They made us feel at ease.”
This level of dedication and support was instrumental in reaping the benefits of the new system. “The team was very understanding,” said Valessares. “There was no issue that was too small, and every question or issue that came up was addressed.” With their staff trained and comfortable with the transition, Valessares and Phassos were quickly able to reap the benefits of HHAeXchange’s scheduling, billing, and EVV capabilities.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” said Phassos. “At first glance, HHAeXchange may seem a little intimidating, but once you’re there with the implementation and support teams, it comes together like hand in glove. They made us feel at ease.”
Valessares and Phassos believe that their partnership with HHAeXchange goes beyond just a technological upgrade for their homecare software; it’s about having a partner who understands their priorities and listens to its concerns. The Hellenic Foundation hopes that their experience with HHAeXchange is a message for similar organizations, showcasing how the right support can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and better service.