July 30, 2009
Crittenton Residents Build Computers
Above: Mission West Virginia Network Specialist Tim Elliott works with a Crittenton residential client as she learns to build and operate a laptop computer.
Six girls in the residential facility at Crittenton Services, Inc. in Wheeling, are learning technology skills that will give them a great advantage when they emerge from the program to become self-sufficient, independent young women, thanks to a grant from Mission West Virginia’s e-Impact Program. The Crittenton residents are participating in a program called “Build It, Keep It, Share It,” in which they assemble laptop computers, become proficient at using them, share their knowledge with others and take their new computers home with them.
Now in its second year, the program was made possible through a partnership with Mission West Virginia. That organization’s program, e-Impact, is a result of a partnership with the Workforce Investment Board and Regional Education Service Agency (RESA).
The e-Impact program provides computer education for young people in rural communities throughout West Virginia. Mission West Virginia Network Specialist Tim Elliott conducted a week-long, on-site training at Crittenton during which each student was provided with the tools, parts and instruction needed to build her own computer.
The laptop computers themselves were donated by the Lenovo Corporation.
Part of the initiative for Crittenton’s program came through Idit Harel Caperton, who founded the World Wide Workshop Foundation, which is dedicated to providing young people with an opportunity to master and be empowered by technology as they use it to achieve productivity, personal learning, leadership, communal success, and a deeper understanding of the world. Caperton’s vision is “a world in which every single person on the planet is given the knowledge to create quality media, contribute creatively and positively to the sum of media on the net, and advance human knowledge.”
Crittenton President and CEO Kathy Szafran said the technological focus of such programs has helped these young women recognize that they have unlimited opportunities for growth. “These girls come from challenging backgrounds from which there was little hope of achievement,” she said. This program helps them sharpen their communication and critical-thinking skills and brings them closer to the participatory and collaborative nature of work in the 21st century. Thanks to the work of Mission West Virginia, the generosity of Lenovo and the support of the Governor’s Office, these students can see the possibilities of a brighter future in which they can contribute.”
For more information, to arrange a tour at Crittenton Services or to make a donation to support more innovative programming, please contact the Marketing and Development Office at (304) 242-7060.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Butch Maxwell
(304) 242-7060, ext. 133