refurbished computers
CTC Support and Program Building
Organization:
The Wilderness Technology Alliance VISTA Name:
Tony Brown
Program Start:
6/2007
Program End:
6/2008
Project Description:
The WTA is establishing a community technology center (CTC) for the homeless as the CCNV shelter. It provides technology access and training programs for the shelter population, as well as other disadvantaged populations utilizing it. The VISTA member will train the homeless, then cultivate them to become full-time volunteers at the center.
These trained volunteers will build a self-sustaining service-learning model where trained members of the homeless community gain work-based learning experiences by performing vital technology repair and training services for local non-profit organizations and government agencies. Small fees will be charged, just enough to self-sustain the program.
Phase I: Train the VISTA member in WTA service-learning performance tasks (see above). The VISTA member spends a period of time pacticing these skills by training many members of the homeless community in the CCNV in technology.
Phase II: Provide the homeless with professional technology job experience by operating a real high-tech company. The VISTA member will be trained in the WTA Enterprise Curriculum and will use it to train and support advanced volunteers from the shelter in performing technology service-learning for the community.
Phase III: Armed with job experience provided in Phase II, service-learning volunteers have a better chance to obtain technology employment or to open their own firms. For a very small group of homeless having the skill set yet lacking the resources and confidence to start their own firms, the WTA and CCNV will provide desk space and the VISTA member will train and support them so they can open their own technology firms in the WTA/CCNV building.
Project Outcome:
Tony recruited 5 executive board members (all volunteers and all homeless) to lead the governance of WildTech-CCNV. ed the acquisition of all surplus technology for refurbishing.
Tony single-handedly landed a 200 computer donation from AARP, which will be distributed across the region.
Tony rebuilt two technology access labs in the shelter, providing technology access for 1300 people.
Implemented three sets of 12 week training classes for shelter residents. These included:
1. MS Word
2. MS Excel
3. Introduction to Computers
4. Computer refurbishing
Tony refurbished enough laptop computers to award to every homeless graduate of the 12 week training sessions.
Tony began building an eBay ecommerse training class so homeless can start selling on eBay.
Tony began building a city-wide computer recycling program and assisted in writing a proposal that was submitted to federal GSA and the District of Columbia to have homeless people manage their recyclable electronics.
Managed the writing of 5 grants to five agencies. All writing was done by homeless people.
Impact Quote:
“We now have a fully self-governing volunteer board of directors. All are homeless and all are equally helping to sustain the program. Tony developed a solid supply of computers, resources and more.”
- Lou August, supervisor
CTC Youth Digital Media Workshop Building
Organization:
Computers4Kids VISTA Name:
Ray Varona
Program Start:
6/2006
Program End:
6/2007
Project Description:
Ray was responsible for managing our computer refurbishing lab, including creating a training program for refurbishing volunteers, researching an inventory system, developing and leading technology workshops for our students. While his work in the refurb lab was very valuable, his most significant accomplishment, and the one that was the biggest benefit to our organization, was the workshops he developed for our technology center.
Project Outcome:
Ray spent the year coming up with ideas for the workshops, creating the materials necessary to lead the workshops, and organizing the instructors of the workshops. Workshop topics included digital storytelling, silent movie-making, audio dubbing, and 3D imaging. Ray learned how create (and advertise) workshops that are appealing to teens and eventually had regular attendance at them. Students in our program earn a free computer system to take home. Our policy states that if they attend 5 workshops, they’ll earn enough extra credit to earn a year of free internet access at home. While nearly all of our students earn the home computer, many students weren’t able to take advantage of the free internet since they weren’t getting the opportunity to attend workshops. With Ray’s help, a great number of students were able to attend the workshops that are required in order to earn home internet. While having a home computer is valuable to our students, without internet they remain at a disadvantage when it comes to completing homework and projects for school.
Now that Ray’s term has ended we are happy to have a whole library of workshop ideas and materials at the ready. Because everything has already been developed, it is much easier for us to recruit volunteers to lead our workshops, since it no longer requires a significant time commitment on their part. We are pleased that we were able to, and will be able to continue to, offer so many workshops to our students and that they may earn internet access at home.
Marketing and Outreach
VISTA Name:
Diana Hauer
Program Start:
9/2004
Program End:
5/2005
Project Outcome:
Diana has posted over 1,200 services on 4People.org and has been instrumental in helping the database to grow and advance. She has also designed marketing materials, learned to build computers, trained people on computers, written documents, designed web pages, and done lots of editing. With her help, RECA and 4People are advancing at an amazing pace.
At the six month level Diana has completed a great deal of work towards populating the 4people.org database, which includes youth, seniors and family community services. She has developed a web page for another non-profit (Catholic Family and Child Services), and taught a class on beginning web page design. By posting services to 4People and continually improving the database, Diana is helping our online database become a viable community resource. We currently have over 4,300 services listed in Eastern Washington, largely thanks to her efforts and the efforts of the VISTA that preceded her. Diana has been instrumental in helping to design the front end interface of 4People to be first time user friendly. See 4people.tcfn.org.
Outreach, Tech Support, and Recycling Coordinator
Organization:
Recruitment Resources Consulting VISTA Name:
Paul Savage
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
Accomplished on a regular basis the following tasks of Outreach, Tech Support, and Recycling Coordinator:
• Install software with licenses when updating or reformatting was needed
• Troubleshoot and repair computer systems with donations made by The Lowell Housing Authority
• Create flyers to attract working class people to the advantages of computer technology and for needed volunteers
• Recruit volunteers for the hours that were designated for each lab and for tech support
• Make daily connections with volunteers
• Fill the hours that volunteers could not work
• Run a recycling program for people that could not afford a computer
Project Outcome:
Progress has been made in the attendance of children and adults in the CTC’s maintained for Ed West. At the end of August, we had a 20% increase of children arriving after school to do their homework or just surf on the net since February. We have also made an increase of adult attendance in the courses we held. We have had at least 100 certificates to give to the graduates from our beginner’s computer courses. Our adults have learned the basics of Microsoft Office and Windows. They have even learned how to search for jobs and build perfect resumes. We have given away at least 50 computers in the last six months to MA Rehab clients and also students that have taken our courses. Donations were made regular by major companies and by individuals who wanted to give to our community. I have also updated all 30 computers with new software that was used by all participants. Especially learning tools for the children.
Part of Paul’s job was the development of a lesson plan to teach residents the basics of computers. Paul was to create a lesson plan for 6 or 8 week classes that would engage residents with a completion date set, and a new class to begin subsequently. This did not happen as planned and the one class that has met is still meeting after 12 weeks, with the same four students and no set plan to end. Paul is not supposed to be teaching directly, but it was allowed assuming that new volunteers were being sought to step in to teach. With very little success in recruiting and maintaining volunteers Paul chose to teach classes directly, in an effort to get the computer center utilized.
CTC Program Building
Organization:
Friends of Tyler School VISTA Name:
Charlena Barnes
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
8/2004
Project Description:
Goal 1: Maintain, organize and upgrade out CTC through developing an inventory system and updating our website.
Goal 2: Provide opportunities for FOTS students to use the FOTS computer center to improve typing and word processing skills and to learn to use the Internet by researching and implementing successful teaching tools for use at CTCs.
Goal 3: Implement an after-school computer literacy program
Goal 4: Train FOTS Teachers, Tutors and Parent To More effectively Use Educational Software to Enhance Student Academic Achievement
Goal 5: Develop public and private sector resources that will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
Charlena helped to launched the new website in September 2002. It has been extremely helpful with fundraising and the recruitment of volunteers. Microsoft Access was used to create databases to track software, hardware, community and technology contacts, and student, tutor, and parent contacts. Each database has easy-to-use interfaces to update information.
Charlena created FOTS curricular resource binders based off of resources from Byte Back, SeniorNet, Triangle Coalition, Digital Newsroom, and a host of web-based programs. As a result, the FOTS curriculum is a pool of resources that can be manipulated and adapted to student need and class environment. Future VISTAS can rely on the curriculum binders and documented resources to create future classes.
Charlena assisted in keeping the computer center operated on a five-day week schedule. Basic computer literacy skills were addressed in computer classes and Open Lab. In the spring of 2003, classes concentrated on more advanced topics such as Lego robotics, Photoshop, spreadsheets, and web page design.
CTC Program Building
Organization:
RTPNet VISTA Name:
Ella Holden
Program Start:
4/2002
Program End:
4/2003
Project Description:
This year has been successful, for we conducted the following classes here at the Riley Hill Technology Center: Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, as well as Introduction to the personal computer. The total number of students attending was 54. As Ella says, “I was blessed with seven volunteer instructors by advertising in the community. I was also privileged to teach Microsoft Word with an Introduction to the Personal Computer.”
A Computer Repair course was developed for Riley Hill Community Technology Center. Ella decided to use two resources to develop this course: Computer Concepts (Third Edition) and Technology for Social Change’s curriculum (www.tecschange.org) with their permission. Ella also planned to use the RTPnet site as a reference for this course.
Project Outcome:
Developing this course has helped Ella to better troubleshoot computers, for there are individuals in the community that are in dire need of help. These individuals bring their personal computers to the center for technical support. In the Wendell Community and surrounding areas, the Riley Hill Technology Center is the only source that does not charge a fee for service.
We very grateful to add our source of Volunteers & Technology Resources. We have used the following sources this year (2003-2004):
• Schools (K-12) students as well as other personnel
• Community Colleges
• Libraries (Public and Other)
• Local businesses
• Wake Forest Pediatrics (Wake Forest, NC)
• Churches (Wakefield, Zebulon First Baptist etc.)
• RTP.net (Website)
• Family and Friends of staff members
• Department of Social Services (Eastern Regional Center, Zebulon)
• Retired Senior citizens
The quality of life has improved for the youth and adults who have taken computer classes at the center, however updating the computer equipment as well as software is still needed. We are currently looking for funding for this project and for a long-term way of sustaining the center. The Riley Hill Survey Plan has given some insight on how to get this plan implemented.
Impact Quote:
“Ella has done an outstanding job in coordinating and teaching classes as mentioned in her report this period. She is very dependable, very cooperative, a team player, and continues to be an asset to the Riley Hill Community. Her interaction with others (peers, youth, students, etc.) is outstanding. During this time period, there have not been any negative comments received regarding Ella. To sum it up, I would rate her as ‘Consistently Exceeds’ the requirements in all aspects of the job.”
- supervisor
CTC Program Building
Organization:
Black Child & Family Institute VISTA Name:
David Quashen
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
To Provide training and support in helping members of the target population increase their computer knowledge and skills. VISTA workers will assist in the implementation of the Port of Entry/Closing the Gap program by scheduling workshops, recruiting volunteers, acquiring and refurbishing computers. Vista Workers will assist the Project Director in the publication and distribution of the newsletter, maintaining mailing lists for the newsletter, responding to telephone inquiries about the program, and assisting in grant applications. Lastly the VISTA workers will submit grant applications and attempt to fund raise from faith based organizations and individuals to provide financial stability to the organization.
Project Outcome:
In May of 2003, we opened the new Magic Johnson Computer Lab (MJCL). David assisted in:
- the development of a marketing plan to promote the lab and its new programs;
- the grand opening activities surrounding the Magic Johnson Lab;
- the recruitment of volunteer instructors for the MJCL;
- responding to telephone inquiries about the MJCL program; and
- the development of resources that the MJCL program needs to increase its capacity.
David also assisted in preparing 72 PCs.
Realizing Every Community Asset Foundation (RECA) / Rainier VISTA
Website:
http://www.recafoundation.org/ Location:
Kennewick, WA
The RECA Foundation has been working to meet the technology needs of the greater Tri-Cities area community since 1992. It has helped to establish over 10 technology centers, built and run The Columbia Free-Net, provided refurbished computer equipment to low income families, and helped to build the technology capacity of our local non-profit organizations.
To use technology in building partnerships with other regional organizations in order to enhance public dialogue about regional issues. Provide access to social and human services resources, consolidate and coordinate those resources in an online environment, and provide information technology support to low income families and other non-profits. The RECA Foundation was the first in the area to offer free e-mail for individuals and free web hosting for other non-profits (Web Hosting). The Foundation started the Columbia Basin Public Information Network (CBPIN.org) in 1994 as a collaborative network of public, private, and government organizations. 2004 – regional management of the www.4people.org Information & Referral database, and an extensive Case Management system.
Oakland Technology Exchange West (OTX West)/Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute
Website:
http://www.otxwest.org/ Location:
Oakland, CA
The Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute (MAFEI) Oakland Technology Exchange West project (OTX-W) is a large-scale computer reuse program dedicated to providing high quality, refurbished home computers to families, students and teachers. As reflected in the scope of work and subsequent MOU agreement, MAFEI continues to meet the following objectives for FY 2004-05.
OTX-West is dedicated to eliminating the digital divide in Oakland, California. We do this by refurbishing surplus computers, educating families and providing ongoing access and support to those who have received our computers. The experiences of OTX-West over the past 6 years has demonstrated both the need for home computers in the community and the reuse model as a green way to meet the need.
In today’s world, everyone needs access to computers and the Internet in order to join the new economy. Access to education, health care, government agencies, jobs, and other services are all currently offered through the Internet. This need has many adults feeling like they are too old to learn the tools of the “information age.” This way of thinking, along with the lack of resources in the communities, contributes to the “digital divide” that exits in Oakland.
It is not enough to provide computers, although this is essential. OTX-West provides education that is necessary for those who are getting their computers for the first time. Technical support is also necessary to keep these computers working properly so that the people of Oakland can continue to learn and become a part of the “information age” and not be left behind.
Keystone Community Network (KCNet)
Website:
http://www.kcnet.org/ Location:
Lock Haven, PA
Keystone Community Network was established to provide the infrastructure for electronic access to local, state, and global information. The concentrated objective is to provide and enable “Education for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”
The mission of KCnet will be to maintain a rural area network that will offer electronic services for the educational, cultural and economic advancement of local communities. KCnet will provide access to electronic information for all citizens, utilizing a variety of resources, human, economic, and technical.
KCnet will provide to the community an Internet access, empower the community to become life long learners, and promote community and economic development.
KCnet has in place the infrastructure to provide the global access to the community to enable them to become a viable player in economic development . Clinton County and its neighbors must have the access to information technology and a trained work force to compete in the 21st century.