HBCU TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

Historically, Black College & University’s (HBCU’s) look for skilled, ambitious and talented students to volunteer weekly to change the lives of local residents by assisting community-based organizations (CBO’s). CBO’s are used to identify, prioritize local needs and solve problems in specific areas. Because nonprofit and CBO’s are often viewed as neighborhood assets, the nonprofit organizations serve the twin functions of delivering services and providing a voice for community concerns. They can be key players in building the capacity of the local area.

Atlanta University Center (AUC), Inc., the oldest and largest HBCU consortium, is working to bring vital knowledge and employment skills to its constituent communities through a new project, the HBCU Technology Project. This project has been designed to bridge the digital divide, and that cannot be accomplished without putting into place policies and procedures in the technological arena. The Technology Project is providing information technology, computer operations systems training, Internet/Web technical assistance and service-learning for tutoring and mentoring of members of CBO’s in neighborhoods adjacent to AUC’s six-campus university grounds. Schools in the consortium include Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morris Brown College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and the Interdenominational Theological Center. Besides the AUC institutions, six other out of state schools participate in the program: Alabama A&M University, Benedict College, Bishop State Community College, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University and Oakwood College.

AUC began the project through a partnership with the Center’s University Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit that coordinates community development projects with AUC schools, and Seedco, a national nonprofit intermediary founded in 1986. Assisted by AmeriCorps VISTA members, the Seedco-HBCU partnership provides skilled students who volunteer a few hours each week to help make a positive change in the lives of local residents in low-income communities.

There are community organizations participating in the Technology Project also. They are the Technical Outreach Community Help (TORCH) Computer Center, which is supported by the National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Extension Chapter in Atlanta; the Lester J. Rodney Mentoring Center, a technology and general academic program for elementary school students; the Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation, which gives 6 to 14 year-olds homework help on the computer and additional computer skills; Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, an after school program that prepares high school students for the SAT, ACT and GRE test; and the Metro Atlanta Resource Center, which offers tutorial sessions on computer skills and test-taking for higher learning opportunities and job advancement.

Last summer, AUC also partnered with Helping Teens Succeed, an AmeriCorps program that provides college-bound teenagers and their parents the skills to access online information on scholarships and other resources to finish college.

PARCA

Parca is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves 1,500 people with developmental disabilities and their families. The disabilities include Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Founded in 1952, Parca’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Bay Area from the Silicon Valley to Marin to the East Bay.

Parca offers programs to help adults live independently in their community. They also offer recreational activities for children. There are available for clients and their families at all stages in their lives. Family Support Services is a resource for parents, offering support and information from the moment they learn they are going to have a child with disabilities.

Children’s Services includes the REACH integrated child-care program for children with and without developmental disabilities. It also includes the Raji House weekend respite care program for children and teens with developmental disabilities. These programs use positive learning and recreational activities to emphasize the similarities between people rather than the differences. All Parca children’s programs are licensed by the Department of Social Services.

Adult Services provide training and support services to assist clients in mastering self-reliance and independence to their highest personal levels. Parca’s philosophy is that all people have the same value and the same human rights. They know that people with developmental disabilities also have the right to live and receive services in the home community of their choice. They should then have access to everything society has to offer just as any other member would. They also believe everyone has the right to participate o the best of their ability in all decisions that impact their daily lives.

Parca is committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages with developmental disabilities. These opportunities will allow them to experience choice, control and individuality in every aspect of their lives. Parca is supported by memberships, donations, grants, Golden Gate Regional Center, San Andreas Regional Center, Regional Center of the East Bay, state and federal contracts, and regular fundraising events.

NATIONAL STUDENT PARTNERSHIPS – SAN ANTONIO

Affiliated with St. Mary’s University, the all-volunteer-run San Antonio office of National Student Partnerships (NSP) was formed in January, 2001, to meet the needs of disadvantaged residents of the community seeking sustainable employment, or services related to obtaining or maintaining employment, such as childcare, housing, healthcare, etc. NSP-San Antonio, which has no eligibility requirements, uniquely serves the community by operating as a “hub” in a community’s network of services, providing clients with research, and with referrals to the services most appropriate for their particular situations. Clients assume responsibility for following through on the research offered by NSP and making the contact with the service provider.

The student volunteers of NSP-San Antonio build their connections to the community by meeting one-on-one with community leaders to discuss opportunities for collaboration, by assuming leadership roles in community events like job fairs or “Make A Difference Day,” and by working with community service colleagues to identify the ways each organization can uniquely contribute to enhancing the service opportunities for the San Antonio community.

Recently, Summer Directors of NSP-San Antonio created an innovative partnership with the St. Mary’s Leadership and Learning Development Center (LLDC), an adult education center, outsourcing its volunteers to the center to conduct a job search-related “soft-skills” class that addressed areas like resume writing skills and interviewing skills. This kind of arrangement helps the LLDC, which is unable to coordinate such a class on its own due to staffing limitations. It also helps establish NSP in the community as experts in employment skills, and helps the clients in the community receive the most comprehensive services offered by both organizations. Similar volunteer-outsourcing initiatives are being developed with the Texas Workforce Centers.

NSP-San Antonio’s student volunteers have a profound impact on the residents of San Antonio. In the last year, student volunteers served 74 clients from the community who needed assistance finding a job, locating housing, securing daycare, or registering for a GED course. A recent segment on a local cable talk show has yielded a large number of calls and appointments for the office; as did a collaborative job fair activity for Make A Difference Day, as does the ongoing support and referrals from community service partners. NSP-San Antonio’s AmeriCorps VISTA member Jodie Briggs recently demonstrated the office’s impact with the conclusion of a recent report she submitted to NSP’s national office.

KFMB – TV LOCAL 8 “VOLUNTEER 8” PROGRAM

Two years ago, Volunteer San Diego approached KFMB- TV Channel 8 about creating a partnership that would recognize the efforts of some of San Diego’s best corporate citizens. Channel 8 immediately responded and ultimately went the extra mile.

Called “Make Volunteering a Way of Life”, the campaign features 30- second commercials that open with a call to action from the community. The center of the commercial highlights the community outreach of a local company or two companies, then the spot ends by directing viewers to Volunteer San Diego’s web site to find ways they can get involved in the community. Originally seven corporations were highlighted, and those companies have been so pleased with the community and internal impact, that other companies are joining the pace setting companies to take part in phase two of the campaign, which begins in 2003.

Originally, the companies paid for the airtime, but Channel 8 contributed all production of spots and also added unscheduled inventory whenever it was available. In some cases, this meant almost double the number of commercials promised in the contract.

From the beginning, channel 8 has dedicated all of the station’s resources to this campaign, creating a station-wide initiative called Volunteer 8. Channel 8’s two lead anchors, Michael Tuck and Kathleen Bade, have become the spokespeople of Volunteer 8. The station regularly runs PSAs featuring these highly respected members of their on- air staff urging San Diegans to get involved.

The effort is responsible for doubling the hits to Volunteer San Diego’s website over the past year. The Public Affairs Department of the radio station actively participates in the planning of four station sponsored volunteer events each year. This spring, publicity from Volunteer 8 for our “Family Volunteer Day” event resulted in 1,500 citizens signing up and participating in the day of service at San Diego parks. The News Department regularly runs stories highlighting outstanding San Diego volunteers, bringing valuable exposure to small local agencies and publicizing the need for mentors for San Diego’s disadvantaged youth.

It is clear that KFMB- TV is committed to leading the charge in San Diego, urging all residents to make volunteering a way of life.

MR.BETTERTON AND MR. BERRYHILL

Just a few miles south of the Virginia border, there is a small community in Person County called Bethel Hill. A quaint little school was built in 1921 to educate the children of this farming community. Since that time, many children have passed through the doors of this school. Some grew up and became farmers while others went on to college and then returned to the school as teachers. After nearly 80 years of service, the Bethel Hill School was finally slated for retirement. The building would be left vacant and the students would be bused to newer schools – at least that was the plan.

However, a handful of industrious and dedicated residents who did not want to send their children on a long bus ride to a new city school decided to explore their options. Even though the building was old and run down, they realized that were was and much that is good about that school. Community members met to see what could be done to keep it open. After reviewing the various options, they decided to establish a Charter School using CORE Knowledge as their curriculum and Character Building as a cornerstone.

At the end of the school year in 2000, the county officially closed the school as scheduled and removed everything from it. The school was rented and then purchased by the BHCS Board of Directors. Mr. Wade, the custodian, also stayed on to get the school ready to open by the last week of August. The community members also banned together and worked to make the brand new beginning for Bethel Hill Charter School (BHCS). Berryhill was also a part of BHCS as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

BHCS is a unique Charter school. It has a certain atmosphere and ambiance that is the result of dedicated volunteers, parents, children and other community members giving their time to the children. Everyone pitches in where necessary. During school functions you will see Betterton and Berryhill pushing mops or doing any number of other chores in order to help out here needed. Employees of BHCS gather, sort and box paper to be used at the school rather than putting it into recycling facilities. This way it is immediately recycled, and it saves the school from having to buy additional paper for arts and crafts.

The Duke Fellows, sponsored by Duke and Dr. Gary Ybarra, come regularly to teach at the school. In December 2000, the Duke NCSU Engineering Teaching Fellows Program gave away 64 IBM PC’s donated by Microsoft Research University Programs to six schools across four North Carolina counties. Bethel Hill Charter School was a recipient of 9 of the computers.

The coming years look to be even better for BHCS. Enrollment has increased and there is a waiting list. With the continued direction of Principal Betterton and Chairman Berryhill, BHCS is ready to meet the challenge.

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR VOLUNTEERS

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car employee community involvement program has developed into an ongoing collaboration with the Volunteer Center of Passaic County that will allow employees to volunteer one day per month at a Passaic County agency. The Volunteer Center of Passaic County has worked with the organization’s Human Resource Supervisor, Janice Lomartire, to develop a comprehensive, hands-on volunteer program. The partnership was founded to meet the needs of Passaic County. Both entities look for the community’s needs and focus on a variety of community involvement.

One of the community projects that the employees participated in was traveling to a local day care center and reading to children. The volunteers rolled up their sleeves and worked with the students in small groups so all children would develop a love for reading. Hands on activities were enjoyed, imaginations stretched, sound repetition exercises were performed and cognitive listening skills were developed. Many of the students do not receive the reinforcement of a parent reading to them at home, and unfortunately many do not even own their own books. Because of this, the time with the volunteers was so important to the children.

To meet the goals of the “No child should be left behind” initiative, that every child be able to read at the proper reading levels by third grade, corporations need to be committed to this mission.

The Employees of Enterprise Rent-A-Car are supported by their administration of Enterprise Rent-A-Car because of the company’s overall commitment to serving the communities where they do business.

In addition to the above community efforts, the employees of Enterprise Rent-A-Car have also donated their time and service to a local soup kitchen. They have donated toys to a local agency for the holidays and also held a food drive for the area food pantry, preparing food for those in need. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Employee volunteers are at the forefront of demonstrating that everyone can and should give back to the community. They are leading by example and hope that other corporations in the area will follow.

DR. HELEN ADAMS

Most residents of the community of New Bern, North Carolina know Dr. Helen Adams and/or have been touched by her hand of community service. An educator for 38 years, Adams was honored as Language Arts Teacher of the Year. She has been and still is involved in fraternal organizations, religious establishments and her community at large.

Adams is a dedicated member of the Queen Esther Chapter #7 Order of Eastern Star as well as the Daughter of Isis – Arabian Court #52. There she has served as 1st and 2nd Ceremonial Dt., Assistant Recordress, High Priestess, Oriental Guide, 1st and 2nd Lieutenant Commandress, Imperial Deputy of Isiserettes and has been Isiserettes Directress from 1969 until the present. Adams has also served as Chairperson of the Commandress Ball, Egyptian Teas, Sick & Distress Daughters, and she has been a Past Commandress Committee Member, Budget Committee Member, Chantress and a Past Illulstrious Commandress/Imperial Deputy of Isiserettes – Desert of the State of North Carolina. Her other Fraternal service extends to the Theta Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which is a community service sorority and the Continental Societies, Inc.

Adams has played a major role in a myriad of community efforts. She has been on the Board of Directors for the Craven Community Concerts Board and an active member of the American Cancer Society, Concerned Parents of New Bern Craven Board of Education and the Chairperson of the local NAACP chapter. She has been a Den Mother for Boy Scouts Troop #212, President of the James City Historical Society, Secretary of the New Bern Historical Society, a member of the Voter’s League and the Eastern North Carolina Civic League that includes 28 counties. In addition, Adams has been a Hospice Volunteer, Vice President of the Ladies Fellowship Chorus, Chairperson of the Governor’s Rally Fundraiser and a private tutor for underprivileged children and adults.

Adams is a member of St. Peter’s AME Zion Church. She has served as Co-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, President of the May Calendar Club, Women’s Day Chairperson and a member of the Senior Choir. In addition to her community involvement through St. Peter’s, Adams service extends further. She has been Chriperson for the Governor’s Pageant, Tutorial Coordinator for Craven county Board of Education at Oaks Road Elementary School and the Chairperson for Founder’s Day Observance for Livingstone College. She has served as the Vice President of the Olive Leaf Club, the 190 Coordinator for Project Vote and the Coordinator for the Democratic Party, Wainwright Headquarters 79th District for New Bern, Craven County.

WARM BLANKETS ORPHAN CARE INTERNATIONAL

The mission of Warm Blankets Orphan Care International is to restore the lives of orphans in partnership with churches, corporations, organizations and individuals who have a passion to help needy, parentless children. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Warm Blankets Orphan Care International, Craig Muller has a knack for start-ups. He is the former CEO of CultureWorx, Inc and founder and past President of MotivationNet. Muller co-authored the recently published employee recognition guidebook, Oh Behave.

Craig lives in Illinois with his wife Barb and their three children, Garrett, Abigail and Caleb. In 1999, the Muller’s along with Bob and Marybeth Hoyler, also of Illinois developed a passion and commitment to use their own money to fund projects dealing with orphans in the most desperate third world countries of India, Cambodia and Central America. Their mission has grown as they have formed partnerships with other orphan care organizations. One of these partnerships, the most significant to date, is with Ted and Sou Olbrich of Cambodia. Together, they have built 43 Orphan/Church homes, with more already in the works.

Muller, through Warm Blankets is able to bring a myriad of solutions to the orphan crisis in Cambodia with his unique business acumen and technology background. He raises funds from individuals, corporation and churches, as well as secures grants – with 100% of the money raised for orphan care going directly to the orphans. Through his contacts, he also raises much-needed in-kind donations such as diapers, food and medicine, toys, paint and many more supplies, which he ships by container to the Mullers.

The core strength of Warm Blankets is their use of futuristic technology to maintain orphan records – a requirement in orphan care for government, medical and sponsor agencies. Warm Blankets has developed comprehensive methodologies and software to facilitate these requirements; in turn, they train Nationals to use the technology and maintain the records – teaching them skills that will help them sustain a long-term career. By using innovative Web technology for each church/home to capture images of the children, caregivers and environment, they are able to put a face to the orphan crisis for the entire world to see via the Internet – to encourage prayer and donations. Another key advantage is the ability to update sponsors on their adopted homes. Whole home sponsorship is the model they have developed for fundraising, so that every child is cared for equally, and their technology gives sponsors an inside look at their home and children – there are pictures of each individual child and their caregivers on each of the 43 church/home Web sites. This is no easy feat given the lack of systems and infrastructure in Cambodia.

Warm Blankets doesn’t deal in adoptions – an often-asked question. Their mission, along with Ted and Sou Olbrich, is to keep children in their native land, growing up in and appreciating their own culture; and to reunite children with extended families whenever possible. To that end, their training of orphans in computer skills and technology helps ensure a future for these special children.

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA ASSOCIATION SUPPORT LEADERS

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve, called the trigeminal nerve. This nerve arises in the brain and supplies feeling and movement in the face. TN produces excruciating, lightning strikes of facial pain, typically near the nose, lips, eyes, or teeth. Triggered by something as simple as brushing one’s teeth or touching a cup to one’s lips, the pain has been referred to as the most acute pain known to humankind.

The origin of TN remains unknown, but it is often attributed to tumors, multiple sclerosis, or abnormal blood vessels that compress the nerve. Initial treatment is through the use of drugs. There is no cure for TN, but should medication prove ineffective or produce undesirable side effects, neurosurgical procedures are available to relieve pressure on the nerve or reduce nerve sensitivity.

The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association (TNA) was founded in 1990 by TN patients and their families. TNA’s founding mission was to improve the quality of life of TN patients through programs that empower patients to become knowledgeable about their condition and treatment options. Aiding patients with issues associated with chronic pain, educating practitioners on matters of diagnosis and treatment and encouraging appropriate medical research are all goals of the TNA.

A fundamental part of this organization is the nationwide TNA Patient Support Network with more than 60 local support groups. Under the guidance of a national support group coordinator, local support groups play an increasingly important role in fulfilling TNA’s mission. Typically, each group is organized and led by a facial pain patient who has volunteered to be a local support group leader. Through their efforts, participants have the opportunity to share experiences, become educated, and support one another, thereby reducing the feelings of isolation and helplessness so common among TN sufferers.

It is these volunteer individuals who are the backbone of humanitarian caring and undying commitment that shares their experiences in an effort to assist others of whom otherwise would suffer in isolation and possibly consider suicide as their only alternative. These individuals are either personally coping with their own painful condition or have successfully overcome the pain with effective treatment, and therefore want to help others by offering hope and advice as they search for a pain-free existence.

INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CAREGIVERS OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

In March 1993, the Elder Abuse Task Force was created to address the needs of the Fort Myers, Florida community’s frail elderly who were “falling through the cracks” of the existing social service programs. Monthly meetings, consisting of 30 area professionals, were held to delve into this problem. Realizing that no additional burden could be placed on the area’s existing agencies (many with long waiting lists for the services they do provide), the Task Force decided these needs would have to be met through a community effort. They learned of Robert Wood Johnson Faith in Action Program, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (IVC), which provides projects with startup financial funding, organizational and technical support. IVC of Southwest Florida is one of more than 1,200 existing Faith in Action programs.

Statistically, the State of Florida has one of the highest senior populations. Of the almost 400,000 residents of Lee County, 31% are 60 years of age or older. Of that, over 50% are over the age of 70. Yet, Florida ranks 49th in the nation in government funded programs for the elderly. According to demographics received from Age Link, at least 35% of Lee County’s elderly population have unmet social services needs, and this percentage only reflects those who have asked for assistance.

Care receivers often view a government-funded agency’s involvement with suspicion, fearing they will be removed from their homes and familiar surroundings. IVC of SW Florida is composed of neighbors helping neighbors through volunteerism and is not supported by any State or Federal funding. It is available to intervene and prevent a situation from becoming critical.

Volunteers from IVC of SW Florida provide such services as transportation, shopping and chores, respite care for primary caregivers, light housekeeping, minor home repairs, meal preparation, paperwork/correspondence and friendly visiting. Many of the elders do not have family members nearby, or have not lived in their community long enough to have established a neighborhood support system. IVC volunteers often provide the only friendly visiting these care receivers receive. The commitment of the volunteers enable those served to maintain their independence and dignity, and to enjoy an improved quality of life.

Fort Myers Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program (IVCP) received its initial start-up grant from Robert Wood Johnson’s Faith in Action Program in 1995. Three years later it opened sister organization in Cape Coral and became Lee IVC. In 2002, with the expansion into Bonita Springs and North Naples, the name of the organization was changed to IVC of Southwest Florida, which better describes the area being served and future development.

In summary, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of SW Florida is dedicated to serving the needs of their community’s frail elderly by offering a program based on a ministry that helps relieve suffering and provides assistance to improve the quality of the care recipient’s lives.