Newspaper Article
"Computers Go Non-Profit"
By Joyce Magnuson (Sierra Sage) "The Positive Press"- We're Everywhere, May 1999
ComputerCorps is a non-profit organization dedicated to
improving the computer skills and job opportunities for the
"underserved" individuals in the community.
Judy Feaster and Ron Norton, the husband and wife team
operating this innovative organization, have taken volunteerism to new heights.
Their eager volunteers, who can realize computer training and equipment for
their volunteer hours, quickly become dedicated ComputerCorps supporters Two
such volunteers are Joe McCarthy and Larry Booth who spend many hours per week
repairing, refurbishing, and upgrading donated computers and related equipment
received from the community. They can also be found teaching volunteers the
skills needed to troubleshoot.
In the first year of operation, ComputerCorps received
donations from more than 350 individuals in the Northem Nevada and California
area. Community support has come from City, County, State and Federal
governments. Corporate support has come from more than 150 companies in the
area.
To date, more than 200 volunteers have contributed in
excess of 10,000 volunteer hours, serving in a variety of tasks, and receiving
more than 1,004) hours of training. This process has produced equipment,
services, and training for more than 400 schools, non-profit organizations,
churches, and other recipients submitting requests which has returned more than
300 computer systems back to the community.
Ongoing programs are being developed with groups such as JOIN, Boys and Girls Clubs, School to Careers, Juvenile Probation, Senior Centers, Hispanic Services, and Rite of Passage.
With continued funding through grants, program funding and
monetary donations from organizations and individuals, ComputerCorps
will continue to meet its goals of service to the community and eventually the
nation.
To help further their cause, "The Great Computer
Raffle" is now being offered, with the drawing to be held on June 13 at
the Canon Rendezvous. One hundred prizes, including a 350Mhz system, are being
raffled for a five dollar donation. You need not be present to win. Tickets are
available through ComputerCorps volunteers or by calling 883-2323.
ComputerCorps will also be participating in the Carson City
Recreation Division's Youth Fair, Saturday, May 8, at the Community
Center.
A "Computer Advantage Program (CAP)" has recently
been developed whereby a volunteer may receive an upgraded Windows 95 Computer
System for a $250.00 donation and 100 hours of community service doing
technical, maintenance or office type work.
If your business or organization would like help, volunteer or hear more about ComputerCorps, please call 883-2323.