by Timothy Rutt
This Saturday, Neighbors Empowering Youth (NEY) will donate six computers to families who need them, and give the families a training class on how to use them and practice basic internet security.
And NEY would like to keep doing it -- but it doesn't seem like anybody's biting.
"We contacted as many nonprofits in the community as we could," said Normal Smith at NEY. "We're asking them if they do a mentoring program, and if they do to submit at least six students who need a computer in their home."
So far the only response has been from NATHA (Neighbors Acting Together Helping All), who identified the six families who will receive computers tomorrow.
NEY, located at 2662 N. Fair Oaks Ave., provides computers and computer training to underserved youth in Altadena and Northwest Pasadena, who are at academic risk and vulnerable to poverty, gang involvement, and unemployment. Smith said that they would like to give away about 50 computers this summer, if anyone will have them.
The computers are donated from Lockheed Martin, and refurbished by NEY's professional technicians. One of their technicians was a John Muir student who took NEY's training several years ago -- now he's on staff.
Smith said that they would also give computers to deserving students who are not affiliated with a program, but they need to write a letter giving their situation.
For more information contact Norma Smith at 626-791-2095.
