Case Study
Project Access NOW (PANOW)
Project Access NOW (PANOW) operates at the critical intersection of community health and social equity. Based in Portland, their work is complex, high-stakes, and deeply human. They connect vulnerable individuals with insurance enrollment, premium affordability, and vital health-related social services.
As Myrna Valez, Director of Programs and People, puts it, the stakes couldn’t be higher: “You have to be on it because people’s lives literally depend on it.”
Several years ago, amidst the upheaval of the pandemic, PANOW transitioned from an internal HR model to a hybrid remote structure. They needed more than just administrative support; they needed a partner who could navigate the complexity of compliance while sharing their deep commitment to the community. They needed a partner who could clear the administrative “weeds,” so their team could focus on saving lives.
That’s where Xenium HR stepped in.
About Project Access NOW
PANOW’s mission is grounded in equity. They partner with community organizations and hospital systems to support individuals in achieving optimal health and thriving.
Their work removes barriers to care, facilitating access for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. Their critical services include:
- Insurance Enrollment: Assisting with Oregon Health Plan and Marketplace Plans.
- Premium Affordability: Ensuring clients can maintain their coverage.
- Health-Related Social Services: Collaborating with CCOs to translate funds into goods and services.
- System Navigation: Breaking down barriers in a complex healthcare system.
Xenium’s Integrated Support:
A United Front for Operations and People
PANOW utilizes Xenium’s integrated payroll and HR services. This model surrounds the organization with a dedicated team, including an HR Business Partner, a Payroll Specialist, and a Benefits Specialist, who work together as a unified front.
For Omar Reyes, Senior VP of Operations, the value lies in the seamlessness of the integration. Xenium enables PANOW to access high-quality HR services at a scale that would be difficult to build internally.
“Honestly, it doesn’t feel like an external service… I can pick up the phone and call someone, and they can jump in… They feel like part of the PANOW team.” — Omar Reyes, Senior VP of Operations
What the Partnership Experience Looks Like
While Xenium manages the crucial “sleep at night” factors, such as accurate payroll and compliance, the true value of the partnership is evident in the personal growth of the PANOW staff and the alignment of values.
Creating Order from Chaos
Chloe Dominguez, Programs and Office Logistics Manager, describes the potential reality of her role without Xenium as “overwhelming.” With the constant changes in employment law and the complexities of Paid Leave Oregon, having a dedicated team transforms chaos into clarity.
“If you’re an office manager who is lost in the weeds, you need a team that can help you get out and see the light. It is so helpful… I would be lost and confused [without them].” — Chloe Dominguez
Mentorship and Professional Growth
Xenium can address problems as they arise, but what we excel at is developing leaders. A unique aspect of the partnership with PANOW is the mentorship between Xenium HR Business Partner Micaiah Liebhober and Chloe Dominguez.
Through formal mentorship and daily collaboration, Chloe has deepened her understanding of human resources, enabling her to approach employee relations with greater empathy and confidence.
“It’s been incredible to work with Xenium one-on-one and grow that personal goal… I think that’s helped me grow so much.” — Chloe Dominguez
The “Sleep at Night” Factor
For a mission-driven organization, administrative distractions are costly. When payroll is accurate and benefits are clear, employees can stop worrying about their paychecks and start focusing on the community.
Elizabeth Thurston, Xenium Senior Benefits Specialist, takes pride in ensuring benefits are accurate so employees can focus on their best work.
“It helps when our employees don’t have to worry about if I’m getting paid on time, is my insurance covered… they can just go into the community and focus on our community members.” — Chloe Dominguez
The PANOW Service Team
Micaiah Liebhober
HR Business Partner
Carrie Orr
Senior payroll Specialist
Elizabeth Thurston
Sr. Benefits Specialist
Scaling for the Future
As PANOW looks toward future goals and expanded reach, Xenium provides the infrastructure to scale quickly. Whether it is updating handbooks to match new laws or restructuring teams, Xenium is the proactive thinking partner that allows PANOW to grow without growing pains.
Shared Values, Shared Mission
The relationship between PANOW and Xenium extends beyond that of vendor and client; it is a partnership defined by shared values. For the team at Project Access Now, knowing they have a partner who understands their mission is everything.
“One of the added values of Xenium is that they relate to our mission… They believe in that mission and the added value our services bring to the community. And that is very important to us.” — Omar Reyes
For Lacey Partipilo, VP of Client Success at Xenium, the relationship is about more than just business; it’s about mutual impact.
“PANOW is doing transformational work in our community here, and it’s a privilege for us to get to do that transformational work in their workplace too.” — Lacey Partipilo, VP of Client Success
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