Nonprofit Technology Resources' blog

a thought about NTR social media

2011-09-21T21:20:00.002-04:00

In general about our topics, I note that the world around us is all hot to trot with "smartphone" this and "tablet" that and whatever, but NTR isn't in the thick of all that. Personally, any one of us might be all gaga about the latest tech thing, but as an organization we deal in used equipment, primarily desktop computers, so all the breathless babble is to be bypassed by us. And we're not activists about anything, either, so all the political and activist stuff all blows on by, except for whatever we each might want to do on our own personal time and dime. It's often interesting trying to figure out what in a focused NTR ongoing multilogue is relevant, and maybe surprisingly, and what's not. Me, I'm sure I miss some.

Nonprofit Technology Resources (NTR) (Facebook Group)

@PaulNTR (Chief Clerk's Twitter)

Tech Nonprofit Launches Literacy Effort

2011-09-07T00:27:00.002-04:00

By J Paul Sank, NTR Staff Reporter
September 7, 2011

A powerful wave of initial support has buoyed a new program for children at Philadelphia computer refurbisher and recycler Nonprofit Technology Resources (NTR).

On August 19, NTR CEO Stan Pokras sent out an idea to several email discussion lists. He wrote, "NTR has over 40 people registered to work with us as interns via various welfare programs. These folks all have kids to support (or they wouldn't be in these programs). And they have very limited incomes."

Pokras then stated a new purpose: "I'd like to encourage them all to read to their children every night."

Abundant evidence buttresses this objective. Consider:

"Reading aloud to young children is so critical," says a report by early literacy nonprofit Jumpstart, referencing the Economic Policy Institute, "that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that doctors prescribe reading activities along with other advice given to parents at regular checkups."

"Research has continually shown that when adults read to children, discussing story content, asking open-ended questions about story events, explaining the meaning of words, and pointing out features of print," writes Jumpstart, citing Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, "they promote increased language development, comprehension of story content, knowledge of story structure, and a better understanding of language -- all of which lead to literacy success."

A grim, research-based prediction follows: "The absence of early literary stimulation is the harbinger of sustained educational difficulties."

The Family Literacy Foundation, too, writes in terms of the top tier of educational priority: "Studies prove that the most important thing adults can do in preparing young children for success in school and reading is to read aloud with them."

Jim Trelease, author of "The Read-Aloud Handbook", writes, "If our objective is to create life-time readers -- graduates who continue to read and educate themselves throughout life -- then the reality is we too often create school-time readers -- people who read well enough to graduate but pretty much stop on graduation day. That’s a striking system failure."

It's a failure with a rich-poor gap: "Affluent families read to their children more often, their homes have a richer print climate (books, magazines, and newspapers), and more words are heard in conversation by affluent children," writes Trelease. "Reading regularly to a child helps to close that gap and gives the at-risk child a head start".

As you can see, Pokras's statement of purpose resonates with the facts. After that statement, next he offered a concrete suggestion:

"What I'd like to do is have a free book rack where children's books, donated by our friends, can be available for the taking.

"Can you drop off or mail in one or more used children's books? We're not looking for the heirloom books that you want to save for your grand kids. Just the books that aren't going anywhere but deserve to be read again by parents and kids who may not have a fresh book to read from at bed time."

The response was almost immediate. Within a week, the shelf was full and needed management. Pokras appointed NTR chief clerk J Paul Sank, this reporter, who in his spare time seizes every possible occasion to read with children as a community volunteer with Jumpstart in Camden.

"It's still too early to know what level of demand we'll be able to generate," says Sank, now in charge of the shelf. The job is so new, it has no title.

"For all I know, the books may end up just being a new to-do for a duster," says Sank. "The necessity of generating demand, that's what may drive this tiny program to innovation."

"For now," Sank concludes, "I hope we can turn this surprising opening surge of generosity -- thank you, thank you, thank you -- into at least a little, steady trickle of books that can be amplified if and when needed."

New and gently used children's books may be dropped off at, or shipped to, Nonprofit Technology Resources, 1524 Brandywine St, Philadelphia PA 19130. Books with great read-aloud characteristics are especially desired. Gift cards or certificates for bookstores located near NTR are also welcome. Questions and other remarks about this program are eagerly accepted by Sank: paul AT ntronline DOT org.

RELEVANT LINKS:

Nonprofit Technology Resources
http://www.ntrweb.org

Jumpstart: "America's Early Literacy Gap"
http://www.jstart.org/site/DocServer/FY11_America_s_Early_Childhood_Literacy_Gap.pdf?docID=6481

Family Literacy Foundation: "Why Read Aloud With Children?"
http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/documents/whyreadaloud.pdf

Jim Trelease: "Why Read Aloud To Children?"
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/read-aloud-brochure.pdf

Jumpstart in Camden
http://clc.camden.rutgers.edu/jumpstart.html

Phila Nonprofit Ramps Up Effort to Solve Public's Computer Problems

2011-08-24T14:06:00.000-04:00

By J Paul Sank, NTR Staff Reporter
August 24, 2011

When Nonprofit Technology Resources says, "Bring A Computer Ask A Question", people who respond can expect one of the greatest consumer values they'll ever get: A free workshop comprising three hours of one-on-one expert attention devoted to solving their computer problems.

"We invite people in from the community to get their computer questions answered by professionals-in-training or volunteers or skilled work clients," says NTR Help-Tech program director Steven Feldman.

"At times we've charged for the workshop. Currently we're running it for free," he goes on. "The idea is, we are looking to serve folks that have a difficult time finding good tech support elsewhere that is affordable and capable.

"So clients will bring their computers in for a few hours, whether it's their desktop or their laptop," says Feldman. "They may use our mice, keyboards, monitor, and Internet connection to leave some of that stuff at home. And our techs-in-training or interns or other skilled volunteers will help them with whatever computer questions they have."

A reasonably typical example of the BACAAQ workshop happened on July 6. Let's go there now:

Senior citizen Safiyat Muhammad's laptop "takes a long time to come on. And then when I try to do anything, sometimes it'll let me get through a process like the Facebook or the Hotmail. But, say, within ten minutes of me trying to get in, it'll freeze up, and then it'll shut down. And it's driving me outta my mind. I don't know how to fix it, so I came here for help."

Cheryl West, who joined NTR's Help-Tech program four days ago, has begun assisting Muhammad by "running an error program, 'cause the system, as soon as it's booted, it let us know she has some errors in the system, so now we're running a report to see exactly what that may be, and then we'll take it from there to see what could be causing her problem.

"I do believe it's memory," she adds, "'cause she only has, like, 1.5 gigabytes in the system, and it may just need an upgrade, but we won't know for sure until we read all what's in the system."

In addition to classroom and online training, the Help-Tech program provides participants with real-world experience in computer refurbishing and troubleshooting. Participants learn valuable computer support skills such as communicating with end-users, researching and providing solutions to hardware and software problems, and documenting problems and their resolutions. If they complete the program, they go back out into the world armed with two certifications that qualify them for jobs as help-desk technicians.

Vaughn Johnson, also a student four days into the Help-Tech program, is assisting West, his wife. He agrees that the laptop "might need more memory, but we'll see."

At this point, we should note that you can never go wrong by adding RAM (Random Access Memory) to a computer, but it may or may not fix a problem with slowness. Only if the hard drive is in top shape will it make sense to find out if RAM is the choke point. RAM problems don't often change with time and use. Drive problems, on the other hand, get progressively worse even if the software on the
computer stays the same. If NTR CEO Stan Pokras were here in the room, he would recommend that a hard drive "defragment" procedure be tried.

"Right now, we're going under the safe mode," says West a little later. "Okay, and then the safe mode, at least, it'll help boot her system up a little bit faster. It *is* a little bit faster, but accessing some of the information is still coming a little slow."

"My brother brought me here about a year ago to look at computers (in NTR's Computer Thrift Store)," says Muhammad, "because my son needed one and I was told that I could get something relatively inexpensive for him, and so I came and I looked around.

"His wife wound up buying a computer for him, so I didn't come back here," she continues. "But I came here last week, because I couldn't get this to operate. I came on a Monday; they said, 'Come back on a Wednesday around 12:30, 1:00,' and that there are classes, and that possibly someone can help me with this problem and correct it. If not, maybe I could get a different computer, if this doesn't work out."

It will probably work out somehow. NTR has a great depth of expertise, so if a Help-Tech helper doesn't succeed, an NTR person with more extensive knowledge will step in.

"What happened, I was trying to do banking on here," says Muhammad, "And it shut down in the middle of the banking. So I went on the phone and did the banking. Then I had a problem, because when it shut down, it had done the banking on the computer, but it shut down in the middle, giving me an indication that it wasn't working, and when I banked on the phone, I did double payments, and then I had overdraft fees."

Being a senior with a low income, she could ill afford those fees. "I said, 'I gotta get this thing fixed.'"

About an hour into the workshop, Muhammad says, "We're being patient. Making progress, though. It's moving faster than it did when I brought it here. It's going to different locations without it taking forever."

"There was a lot of problems where she had a lot of items checked, where in startup it would open up about 22 windows," says West. "So we narrowed it down to at least sixteen of them that we know that she actually needs to use. So now that we rebooted the computer and it opened up faster than what it was doing, so we're getting somewhere."

"But I do believe she's gonna need more memory," West adds. "So we're getting ready to check and see what type of upgrade she needs to use for her system, and once we do that, we should be okay.

"If that doesn't work," she goes on, "then we're gonna uninstall some of the programs she has in here that may not be necessary for her to have, to free up some more space also."

"Two months," says Muhammad, "I threw up my hands, because I was sitting there, 45 minutes, an hour, getting nowhere. ... Hopefully this'll do it for me."

As the workshop draws to a close, Muhammad says, "I'll be back next Wednesday, because we're working in the safe mode trying to get it to operate, but it has some very intricate problems."

"Basically, we're trying to back up what's in her system," says West, "and then reboot it, reinstall everything, and start all over to give her more access to more memory in her computer."

= = =

Clarence Draper, currently between jobs, has come here for "education and information".

"My question is, 'Why isn't my printer working?'" He hooks the Hewlett-Packard scanner/copier/printer up to his Toshiba laptop, and it doesn't do anything.

Before he registered for the workshop, he had been letting the problem ride. He's "almost embarrassed to admit" how long.

Now, though, he has become "fascinated suddenly with the computer world. ... The capabilities ...

"I'm in awe, to tell you the truth," he concluded. "It's just such a fascinating tool. I think I'm in for a nice ride. I'm excited."

BACAAQ helper Dorlean Murrain-Harris, another Help-Tech student, starts by "trying to download his drivers, connect this printer so I can print." If she can find some drivers online, download them into the laptop, get them installed properly, then the little programs will make the printer work with the laptop.

Draper also has a Kodak webcam he'd like to get working.

A little later, Murrain-Harris appears to be having trouble. "So far, no good. The drivers are in, the connection -- it's still not connecting."

Draper asks whether NTR takes donations of equipment. It does. He may decide to donate this printer if it can't be made to work with his computer.

Later in the workshop, Draper reports his status as, "failure to complete".

Murrain-Harris says, "The printer needs to be re-installed. We don't have any disk to re-install, so it cannot be completed."

Finally, at workshop's end, Draper is packing up his equipment while Murrain-Harris says, "It's no use. Compatibility's a problem ... between Windows 7 and HP."

But "the camera was cool," says Draper. "There was no problem there. Got [rid of] some spyware, and I'm good to go. I shall return next week" for "more knowledge. ... [BACAAQ is] priceless, as far as I'm concerned."

= = =

Cassandra McNeil, a graduate student, has been "unable to do my homework." Her desktop computer "had a lot of pop-up viruses. I couldn't write one document because of that."

Help-Tech participant Eric Stanford started his supportive efforts by intending "to install an XP operating system on there. It's possible that her old operating system was removed -- I don't know the location -- so we're trying to give her another one." Due to severe damage from the viruses, "it's gonna take more than a scalpel to get this thing done."

Such a serious repair effort would surely cost at least $100 or more in a shop, but here at BACAAQ, McNeil won't pay a dime for the several hours of labor. She says, "I actually went to a repair shop, at a computer repair store, and got bilked out of my money, basically."

"I actually purchased my first computer from here, [through] Community College (of Philadelphia)," she adds. "Initially, when I purchased my first computer here, I had to attend a [two-hour] class on a Saturday, learned to put the memory in and -- and I thought it was very exciting, so I remembered that experience, so that's why I came back here. ... That was a very exciting experience for me, so I always remember this location."

She's had the computer for five or six years. It has long outlived the three years NTR guaranteed it for. "I bought an *extended* warranty even, and it [has] outlived *that* one."

Help-desk trainee Angel Blanco is also on the McNeil case. "We're using a system repair disk to repair from XP, and it's three different partitions on the drive." Now that he knows about the unusual structure, he's zeroing in on drive C:, hoping to repair the system files there.

An hour or so later, "we're making a lot of progress," says McNeil. "What they did was they got my operations up and running. Now there's a lot of icons on my desktop that we need to uninstall. And then we need to put an anti-virus on there."

As the workshop nears its end, Blanco says, "The browser's hijacked everywhere I go. It's taking me somewhere else, so I gotta -- I don't know the main site of the security software, so I'm having trouble installing it. Now Internet Explorer is saying it isn't installed, so I can't use Internet Explorer. So I'm kinda stuck. Hopefully this works when I restart Firefox, and hopefully I can download this anti-virus program, 'cause she really needs it."

McNeil is feeling "wonderful compared to all the problems that I did have when I came in here." The majority of her problems have been solved, "except for this one. We've cut down to this last one. ... We're at the last stage, and I'm really sure we're gonna conquer this one, also."

= = =

The Bring A Computer Ask A Question workshop has been helping people with their computer challenges for seven years. In June 2011, however, it underwent a radical shift. Feldman lists the differences:

"We've gone from running once a month on Saturdays to once a week on Wednesdays. This allows us to make this workshop a training opportunity for our Help-Tech clients.

"We've also decided to stop charging for the program. Our costs in it are fairly minimal, especially when we run it during the week. Being that it's run during the week, it's not as easy to attract folks that are working. Making the workshop free helps us bring a meaningful reason to come back again -- it's absolutely free rather than $5 or $15.

"Finally, we have a consistent helper base in this workshop now. In the past, we were relying mostly on volunteers, and now we are relying mostly on our program clients that are already here during the week, already learning about the products they're supporting, and already planning on going into the field of tech support."

The "'Bring A Computer' workshop is wonderful," says NTR chief executive Stan Pokras, "because it really gives people who can't afford to have their computer worked on otherwise an opportunity to have some expertise brought to bear on their system and their problem.

"It serves our mission really well," Pokras continues, "And it's a whole lot of fun. It's always interesting, it's always different, and the people coming to help, who are working in there on the problems that people bring to us, generally enjoy themselves immensely, so it's a good thing for everybody concerned."

Bring A Computer Ask A Question is offered every Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at 1524 Brandywine Street, near Broad and Spring Garden. There's no charge, but advance reservations are required and can be made easily by calling 215-564-6686.

Student Volunteers Refurbish, Receive Computers

2011-07-06T00:14:00.010-04:00

Student Volunteers Refurbish, Receive Computers

By J. Paul Sank, NTR Staff Reporter

High school student Tharon Daniels no longer has to keep asking his mother for a password when he needs to log on to a computer and get schoolwork done. Thanks to a computer given to him gratis on April 28 by Nonprofit Technology Resources (NTR), he can now log on to his own computer in his own room, get his work done, and "chill for the rest of the day."

Daniels, when not in school, is a member of a teen group called Digital Connectors (DC), a Digital Inclusion program of the People's Emergency Center (PEC) in West Philadelphia.

"We're constantly trying to narrow the digital divide through our programs for sixth-graders, teens, and adults," said PEC Digital Inclusion (DI) program manager Ron Edwards.

"We supply computers when we can get our hands on refurbished computers, and we distribute to the community," said Edwards. "So having students work here as volunteers helping NTR, and getting volunteer hours for [our] program ..., and receiving a free computer system from NTR helps us out immensely."

"Over 1100 participants have gone through our programs and more than 600 computers have been distributed," according to PEC literature. "DI provides free courses in computer and internet literacy to local residents. Upon completing the course, students receive free or low-cost computers along with technical support. Additionally, DI promotes viable, low-cost broadband internet access for the people it serves."

The DC students at NTR didn't just receive; they also gave. From March 1 to April 28, they volunteered four hours a week.

"We had them refurbishing," said NTR warehouse coordinator Melvin Bonilla on the last day of the students’ participation. "By refurbishing, they learned a couple of the troubleshooting techniques. We showed them how to take care of their own computer that they built. And now they're taking the computer home."

"We wanted them to get it the first time, so they could do it by themselves," he said. "The person that's there with them should only be answering questions, really, just in case they run into a problem."

Five out of the seven teens did get it the first time.

"The first time I needed a little help, but after that I was like, 'All right, I got this,'" said student Andrea Davis. The most fun part of her NTR time was "putting together computers, knowing that I did it myself without any help."

Volunteering at NTR felt good to Andrea. "It's, like, you did something that most people can't do." She mentioned a recent conversation in which somebody said, "I wish I knew how to do that."

"I didn't know that you had to do that much just for a computer," said student Jasmin Minor. "It's a lot that you got to do just to get your computer set up."

"The imaging process [for installing a full set of software], I think that was the hardest part," said Sharonice Daniels, "because you had to have the right image on the computer. If it's the wrong image, it's gonna work, but it's not gonna work right for that type of computer."

The most fun parts according to Minor and S. Daniels were refurbishing a lot of computers, stripping some, learning how to work the software duplicating machine, going into the BIOS (a setup feature), and finding out about the various types of RAM and hard drives.

"My favorite part was stripping the computer," said T. Daniels, "taking it apart, getting a feel on the inside of it, seeing the motherboard, stripping the hard drive, seeing the inside of a hard drive, how everything works."

"Then you start to refurbish the computer," he continued. "Once you get on there, log into Windows, start defragging the computer, seeing how a computer works like a city a little bit: Inside of a computer, you have busses, and everything works together."

The DC program engages teens in a number of activities like learning how to handle money, shooting and editing video, creating photo essays, and a project, in which, according to Davis, students go to businesses and see what each business is and what it does. Then the students write a profile of each business and post it online.

T. Daniels was evidently pleased with the program: "With the information I get from PEC, I bring it back to school, and when I go to computer class I don't have to be looking stupid like I don't know what to do. So I just get on right to work."

At NTR, these DC students got work experience, and they acquired "familiarity with computer hardware that they wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to handle," said NTR chief executive officer Stan Pokras. "Even though they might have computers there at PEC, they wouldn't have the variety that we have."

The new partnership is good for NTR, too: "We're learning how to be a service organization that includes teenagers in our mix of service offerings," said Pokras. "The young people and staff from the People's Emergency Center have given us an opportunity to practice serving teenagers who are supervised by training staff from another agency. It’s been a learning experience for everyone."

Edwards said he looked forward to an "official working relationship," in which more DC groups would volunteer for NTR and receive computers.

Davis said she intended to give her computer to her aunt, who lost everything in a fire.

RELEVANT LINKS:

People's Emergency Center

http://www.pec-cares.org

Lancaster Avenue Community Directory

http://lancasteravephilly.com/joomla/

Hmm, story still in the pipeline. ...

2011-06-25T12:45:00.002-04:00

After posting "To Tell the Story of NTR", I prepped like a reporter -- to the extent I could imagine how -- and attended a workshop where student-volunteers from the People's Emergency Center were receiving free computers as part of an unusual Learning Through Technology deal. Investigating by interview, I gathered a treasury of interesting and moving quotes, assembled them, and sent it to our CEO. Hopefully sometime soon I'll get approval to post a final draft here on the blog.

To Tell the Story of NTR

2011-04-19T23:56:00.001-04:00

Hi, my name is Paul Sank, chief clerk of NTR, and I've been assigned the task of "writing the story of NTR". I'll have to spend some time getting my bearings on what that means and making plans on how to go about it, but in the meantime I happen to have a published sample of my writing I can show you. A fire story!

From the Maple Shade Progress newspaper, Friday, April 15, 2011:

As warm as Monday was, naturally we opened the windows when we got home from work. Not long after, we closed the back one. The smell of smoke had wafted in from the charred apartments across the grass alley.

I'm Paul Sank. My wife is Vicky. We're a couple of 50-something, 15-year resident Shaders. We live on Laurel Drive and behind the Clover Path building that burned Sunday.

Early that morning, around 3-ish, toward 4, Vicky woke with a start at the sound of someone yelling. She heard an older man:

“Jump! Jump! You have to jump! JUMP!”

She rose, as fast as one just woken can. Turning the bed corner, she noticed that our window, with its room-darkening drapes, was glowing.

Orange.

Fear began to come upon her. Gingerly, she touched the drapes. She didn't feel any heat, so she pushed them aside.

Without the drapes, the blinds confronted her with even more pulsating, orange light. But probing, she felt no heat, so she made an opening with her fingers.

Her eyes then rose to the top of the back roof of the Clover Path building.

She could just barely see flamelets a couple of feet or so high, darting up intermittently from the roof's far side.

She brought her eyes downward, where she saw a figure standing in the dark grass alley and looking up at the second-floor window, sixth from the left end. In the window, she could make out the figure of a 20-something year old man, silhouetted by flames and orange-lit walls.

She looked at the roof again. The flames were already reaching higher.

Dropping her gaze back down, she saw a figure rise up from the ground. He joined the older man, and the two ran away to safety.

Now knowing how serious this was, she called 911. Responders were already en route.

I had fallen asleep in the other room. She woke me and summoned me to the window. An urgent feeling began to grip me as I approached the glowing blinds. Nervously, I peered through.

Up from that building -- one exactly like the one in which we'd just been sleeping -- shot a bonfire-sized blaze licking and lapping maybe 12 feet into the sky.

Never have I felt so small before a fire.

We deliberated what to do. We got dressed as calmly and quickly as we could. We went outside, out our only door, the front, where I looked up immediately.

In the dark sky nearly vertically overhead, an orange-tinted black column billowed and roiled ever upward, flanked by a rising helix of dancing sparks.

Finally we heard sirens.

My Experience so far at NTR

2011-02-26T19:03:00.002-05:00

This will be my first of may blog post about NTR, I just started class on Tuesday. My day started out by meeting everyone, then we went right into a basic computer skills test. I passed this test without any problems. Chuck(the instructor) set me up with the pre-tests to see exactly where my knowledge level is in relation to where it should be.

By the end of the day I was done with two out of three tests to get my IC3 Certification. The next morning I finished the only one I had trouble with Key Applications. I started on the Help Desk Certification, which will take a minimum of 12 weeks to compete. One of the most interesting things so far about this experience is working down in the discount computer store learning the business. I will have more information to come in the future but that is all for now kids.

Liljana Alimadhi and NTR's Tech-Redi Program

2010-02-18T15:28:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia January, 2010

When I first came to NTR, I did not know what to expect. Very soon I learned that the Tech-Redi program is where I belonged. They help people like me to obtain different certifications in the computer field, A+ included.

Every day I was learning new things about computers in all areas. Every where I was in classrooms, or refurbishing area, I started to feel different about the place and the opportunity given to me. I got my Digital Literacy certificate and pretty soon I was working on IC3. My mission at NTR changed rapidly. I lost a job opportunity just because I did not know, how to do a power point presentation. (If I only came at NTR one month before!!!).

It is one thing to say that I know how to do something and is another to prove it or have a certificate to back it up. So I took it very seriously and studied every day, trying to learn as much as possible from everybody from everything, even when I tore down old computers and printers. My knowledge in computers was like everybody else but I always wanted to learn more about them. A+ certification was getting closer than I ever dreamed of, all I needed was time.

My whole life was changing. I actually was doing something that I always wanted. I started to forget that I was in this place because I was in public assistance. I felt I was regular person. I was going to ”work” every day trying to get the most of it, early morning, short lunches, and late afternoons. I was feelling different. Four months later one test after another suddenly I am A+ Certified. Time goes fast when you have a purpose and work for it.

Today I am A+ certified. I still cannot believe it. Was it hard? Absolutely! But I did not do it by myself. I had a lot of help and support. I did it because other people like Chuck and Pete believed in me more than I believed in myself.

NTR is a modest institution and nobody promises impossible things but everybody that works there has a big heart and is very helpful in one way or another. People like me get knowledge for life and options for better opportunities. At least, I do not have to ask somebody else to fix my computer or what should I spend to buy a new computer.

As Brian always said to me “Learning is a process,” I am in a process of learning about computers and other things and it does not end here. The bottom line is finding a job and this is my ultimate mission. I am still looking for one, I have not found it yet but I am a lot closer than I ever was before I came to NTR.

I want to thank all NTR staff for your help and support. It was such a great experience. I will never forget it. Tech-Redi is a great program. I hope more people get the opportunity to explore it.

===========
Editors Note: Liljana Alimadhi earned the equivalent of a Bachelors Degree in Geophysics Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania. Since coming to the U. S. she held various positions as a bookkeeper and banquet server. She obtained her U. S. Citizenship at the same time she was studying for her A+ certificate at NTR. The A+ certificate qualifies a person as a computer technician. Congratulations!!!

Looking for an Internship: My Experience Touring Nonprofit Technology Resources

2010-01-19T15:16:00.002-05:00

As a job developer for JEVS Career Strategies, I was given the responsibility of finding an internship site for my client that was hoping to have a career in computer repair. My supervisor recommended that I call NonProfit Technology Resources. I arranged with Stan and Steve for a time that my client and I could visit.

As I stood outside waiting for my client to arrive, curiously wondering about the inside of the facility, a few gentlemen about to enter the building kindly asked if they could help me. After explaining my situation, they left, and moments later I was greeted by Stan Pokras' warm demeanor accompanied by Steve Feldman and my client. Yes, my client...I was told he had arrived early and they jokingly said that he could give me the tour. From the moment I walked in, I could tell this was a community based organization that the employees were proud of. Everyone was friendly and considerate, especially the warehouse manager Lorenzo who wore a smile ear to ear.

Steve took over and toured my client and me around the building, explaining the various programs, showing me the different computer parts, and talking about the different responsibilities an intern could have. I remember thinking that Steve seemed like the perfect person for this job; his persona was a great mix of techie and teacher with the ability and patience to communicate computers to someone without any prior knowledge. Steve was thorough with his explanations mentioning the fabulous opportunity for a volunteer or intern to take home a computer after they work for 120 hours. Who can beat that?

As Steve and my client spoke 'techie,' I was surprised to find out how much my client already knew about computers. Based upon Steve's reassurance, I was happy to know that not only would my client be able to increase his knowledge, but as he gained proficiency, he would be able to graduate to more advanced projects and could help teach other people in the program. The setting seemed perfect for a teenager not only to gain computer knowledge, but also to learn to work as a part of a team of people dedicated to a mission.

As my client and I left the building, we both agreed that Nonprofit Technology Resources would be a great place for him to get his start.

TECH REDI PROGRAM STARTED - August 2008

2009-10-26T00:45:00.000-04:00

By Marilyn Kai Jewett

NTR’s new Tech Redi Program is off to a great start. The first group of participants are eager to learn a new skill that will help improve their lives.

Valerie Trippett, from Southwest Philly is one of those who came from the Ross Earn Centers to NTR. “I knew a little about computers, but here I’m learning a lot more,” she said. “I’m refurbishing and installing components in different computers. But, I’ve still got a lot to learn. I’ve got a long way to go.” Trippett said she’d like to further her studies in computer technology and become a computer technician after completing the program.

Others, like Felecia Thomas had a skill, but needed more. “I know how to type, but I didn’t

know how to put a computer together,” said the Logan resident who has a secretarial background. “I’m learning little by little. I can type 65 words a minute on them. But, now I have to learn how to put them (computers) together and take them apart. That’s what I want to do now.”

Daryia Dinkins of University City already had experience with computers, but is using this opportunity to update her skills. “I like it pretty much. It refreshes what I did in school which is repairing computers and fixing minor stuff.” She wants to get a job as an entry-level computer technician when she completes the program.

Harry Reynolds was reluctant to participate in the program, but is now glad he did. “At first I didn’t want to come,” said the North Philadelphia resident who had some knowledge of computers before coming to NTR. “But since I’ve been here, I’ve learned a lot of new things. I’m working on getting A+ certification, learning the parts of a computer, refurbishing, adding to the database and understanding how to get on the Internet with the Ethernet board with a network and things like that. They really helped me understand a lot about computers and appreciate what goes on with a computer.”

Reynolds would recommend others to tap into the Tech Redi program. “It’s been a great experience for me. I have no complaints. It’s a good experience if you want to learn. They teach you everything from repairing it and refurbishing it and even how to work it better.” He wants to get more computer education and experience as a technician.

It seems the participants are learning a lot and are enthusiastic about learning. Hopefully, the program will continue to grow and attract participants citywide.

Tech-Redi Testimonials

2009-10-10T21:12:00.000-04:00

Begin forwarded message:

From: Markham Osborne

To: pete@ntronline.org

I have been incarcerated for over thirteen years and coming back into society has been difficult for me! The Earn Center has help at first, but the Earn Center couldn't address my laps in being away from society and the computer age, I'm living in. In addition, I needed individual and sensitive attention giving to my unique situation rather than

massive group help. The NTR Center and the Tech-Redi have addressed those needs! I have been in the NTR Center for only a month and half. The institution provides hands-on work with class work, so we can learn at our maxim level. I have learn so much about the inter-working of hardware and software programs in such a short time. My own confidence and knowledge have increase tremendously in such a short time. The administration at NTR has worked diligently to help me receive the knowledge and the understanding to market myself , to start a business or get a job in computers. finally, I don't have a fear of working with or working on computes! NTR is helping me with Microsoft Power Point and Microsoft Publisher to create a presentation to the public and create brochures, so I can market my idea in the most effective way possible. My dreams to be self -employed, support my family, and give back to society are being realize though the NTR and Tech-Redi Center.

Begin forwarded message:

From: NIKITA RICHARDS

To: pete@ntronline.org

When I 1st got to NTR I didn't know anything about computers. Since I've been at NTR I have learned how to fix and build a computer. I have so much fun at NTR that I go home trying to tell my family and friends what I have learned and work on their computer. I even talk to people over the Internet and they ask my questions as to why their computer may be running slow and other questions. Now I am trying to get into a class that is call IC3 because I want to know more about computers I want to one day open up a place where kids can come learn how to use a computers. NTR not only help me but they help other people who cant afford a computers think how many people they have helped and will help in the future. I would like to take what I've learn to go on to the next step. You never know one day your computer might break down and the person that come to fix it just might be from NTR...

Begin forwarded message:

From: Tara Cummings

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: Tech Redi

Iam writing this letter to whom it may concern,I Tara Cummings have found this programat NTR very interesting ,skillfull, I thought I would never have an opportunity to know how to operate the inside of a computer.Ntr has been agreat program that helps you repair and refurbish computers ,but also challenges you to agreat start on a new career opportunity. NTR is one of the best Welfare To Work Program that if they cut this program many of us will be in danger because it has promoted many Redi Tech students moving towards taking the IC3 test which is very challengable an trying to make a difference in their life as a great and wonderful career that they can take any where. Many students in these programs don't last a week so far as a Redi Tech student I can honestly say they are still here in the program an have a opportunity to make up hours if needed.

This program also gives you a chance to build an refurbish your own computer .I have not yet heard of another program that offers this lesson an hands on task of knowing the inside of a computer ,many students didn't know how to turn on a computer until reaching the doors of Redi Tech when you leave NTr you will be leaving with lots of skilled knowledge to share an help others ,also u can gain your own business as a part of growth that you can stand tall with. Ntr doors are on welcome henges they won't turn you away.

Begin forwarded message:

From: nasirrah

Date: June 29, 2009 3:43:03 PM EDT

Subject: what ntr means to me

Dear Mr. Pete,

This E-Mail is to let you know what NTR means to me and how it has changed my life. This program means a whole lot to me. I never thought that there was a program to help you learn the wounderfull world of computers. Unless you had to pay a lot of money, i have been through the Earn Center at least 4 times now and i just didnt stick with it because i was never learning anything as far as what i really needed to know to be able to get a typing job or a computer job period so i just never did what they asked me to do. Until i went to a the Earn Center this time and the job coach there said that he could put me in this program at NTR and i thorught to myself here we go again, but it has changed my life i am learning so much i finally no about the computers in side and out i have learned how to take a computer apart and put it back together, i learned also leared the names and parts of a computer, I am in the process of learning my G.E.D and i have learned what Mega Bytes and Giga Bytes and i learned the computer basics, power point, data entry, and i am also learning how to type at a faster pace. So all in all I have learned alot from coming to this program. This program at NTR has tought me alot in the last two month that i dont think that i would have learned at the Earn Center. I know i have only been here for two months and what i have learned is being tought to me at my own pace and it making learning fun and easy. I am learning at my own pace and I am learning alot in the little bit of time that i have attend this program. I also wanted to add that the NTR program is like my home away from home i love coming to this school and I am also very confident that when i graduate from this school that i will be able to get a job and stand on my own two feet and i would not have to rely on welfare any longer. i am making good progress and i am learning a whole lot of thing that I didn't even no how to do. I hope that you will not cut the budget for this program and that you will be able to give the next person a chance to attend the NTR program as a student of this program i would say that the benfits of this program is extreamly important to the work world because it is here to help you learn a trade that is very important to work force. I want to thatnk you in advance for your help in this matter. Plase keep NTR Tech-Redi open.

Begin forwarded message:

From: David Kpou

Date: June 29, 2009 3:35:22 PM EDT

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: What this program means to me!

DEAR MR.PETE,

I HAVE BEEN HERE SINCE JUNE 1 AND HAVE

BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TO NTR's TECH REDI PROGRAM. I AM HERE TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE IN BOTH THE HARWARE AND SOFTWARE, AND FURTHER TO BUILD A COMPUTER TO TAKE HOME TO BE ABLE TO LIVE AND ACCESS INFORMATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY. I ONLY LEARNED ENGLISH WHEN I CAME TO AMERICA. AFTER COUPLE WEEKS AT NTR I FEEL VERY HAPPY THAT I CAN BUILD MY OWN COMPUTER, AND I LEARNED THE PARTS OF COMPUTER AND HOW REPLACE ANY MISSING PARTS BROVO NTR! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ! MERCI

DAVID KPOU

Begin forwarded message:

From: roxy brown

To:

Subject: yolanda brown

To whom it may concern: I have heard of the budget cuts that are happening and i heard it is going to affect the tech-ready program. I've learned an extreme amount from this program. i've been on public welfare all my life (not by choice) and i've been in the work ready programs before, where i cleaned buildings. But it did not prepare me for the future. I feel like society needs me, in these trying finical times. Learning different parts of the computer. Learning the correct terminology for each component. i defintly know more then what a lot of people know. i can erase the password off the computer if you forget. i can install a new hard drive. i can open your computer and clean. the whole program is a wonderful opportunity for people to get in the work force. the staff is also wonderful they are true motivators. Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that’s right for you.

Begin forwarded message:

From: l legions

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: Tech Redi

Hello, Pete

Since, I have arrived here at Tech Redi Program; doors that was close were open for me. I have started as a Tech Redi's student, and have learned about software and hardware. I learned how to refurbish and repair computers. With the skills learned at NTR, I parlayed them into gaining employment and was hire as a Program Assistant. In the future I am going to write a proposal to teach people in prison how to fix computer so they can have a useful skills after leaving prison. I hope that will help with the recidivism rate. One door can open many!!! Through NTR/Tech Redi I have gained the confidence to do anything that I put my mind to. Way to go NTR/Tech-Redi!!!

Begin forwarded message:

From: shaneka trippett

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: Thank You

To whom it my concern,

I think this is a great program they give you the chance to learn all about a computer .What they do why they are use what makes the work the names of all the parts an how they all work i have been here for three weeks an i already know every part on the inside an out side of the computer every one is so nice an kind they take there time with you. I love it here an i hope more than just me ca get the opportunity to get to know how great this program is an get the experance of how to program, put together take a part an fix just about any kinda of computer witch is quite intersting so please keep our school open we need it we love it an one day i hope to get a grate job working on computers.

Thank you

Ntr Student

Begin forwarded message:

From: Tovarria Guess

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: Keeping The Funds

I am a student at NTR learning more than I have learned at Lincoln Technical Institute. This is a career move for me because I am going to pursue my career in computers. I plan to earn my certifications here because I am learning about the technology part of it. I have learned to refurish computers, ghost hard drives, clone hard drives, work in quality control, teach other students, as well as being a teachers' assistant, etc... I have experienced a great deal of confidence to achieving more experience and knowledge working in the computer field. I will pursue my interest in the computer field because that is where I could accomplish my goals.

I always had a interest in working with computers because I will learn something new everyday. I will not stop learning about computers because I plan to further my eduaction in computers. Being at NTR has given me structure to learn more in a classroom as well in a workshop. I now know how to troubleshoot a computer in more detail than before and feel good about what I am doing with computers.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Erik Williams

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: NTR PROGRAM

The NTR PROGRAM is a great program. Before I came to NTR I was basically a computer novice. Now after a couple of months I'm able to troubleshoot and refurbish computers. Also, I was able to get my Microsoft Digital Literacy Certification. Without NTR'S Tech-Redi Program I don't know where I would be. It's been a wonderful and continuous learning experience. The opportunity to also go forward and get your IC3 and A+ certification is another reason that it's a great program. The staff and students make it a pleasure to attend the program everyday. People who wouldn't normally have an opportunity to get this kind of training and experience now have something to look forward to and to strive for. The EarnCenter(s) can take a page out of NTR'S book and try to model themselves after a good (role)model. The community as a whole needs more programs like NTR. Keep NTR open and available to those less fortunate.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Verona Martin

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: Tech-Redi Program

I would personally like to thank you for allowing me to be a participant in the Tech-Redi program. From the very first day I arrived here at the program I have been very enthusiastic about my future because of the many things I am learning here. For the first time in a long time I feel confident about my work ethic. There are so many advantages to gain from being here along with the updated technical learning experience that comes along with participating. There are so many job fields I am applying to because of the hands-on experiences I am learning. Upon completion of my training I know for a fact I will be qualified to do careers in various different computer fields. I gained so much from the Tech-Redi program. I have a free computer that I built, I have a Microsoft Digital Literacy Certificate, and I am pending a IC3 Certification! I thank you so very much for this wonderful opportunity.

Begin forwarded message:

From: mozell boozer

To:

Subject: Mozell Boozer

To whom it may concern,

I think that this program will help a lot of people that really don't know what they don't want to do. I've only been here for only two weeks, and I learned a whole lot from is program so far and I know there more to come. I know about the computer some what but now I know every part and how it play its part in the computer. I would recommend this program to others. Because the instructors they are very fine and clear about what they teach you on every part of the computer. And they take there time with teaching you as well so if you don't know something all you have to ask. and when you take the tests to see if you know any thing about the computer and if you pass you will get stickers to let everybody know that your learning. I think that's a good idea that you get stickers . I think that everybody that's not ready for the work forces then they should take up a trade. And I think out all the programs I went through the earn center or other center this program is the best. I wish that when the earn centers talk about job training or other programs that they talk about NTR. I learned about the program through someone. and that not right I feel that everyone should know about NTR before that go with payed work because I think this is the best expresses you can get from the computer filed. Because I'm thinking about when I'm fininsh I'll try to open up a little computer repair shop. Onces again I'm learning a lot and every day I go home I have a lot of information to shear with my family and friends that two of my friends want to come to the program. Every time I talk about the program who ever I talk to they want to know how to get in the program. i think they should have this program in school for the children that want to take a intrest in computer because this is a very good program for adults and children. I hope that this program never close I hope it grow.

Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Khadijah Freeman

To: Pete@ntronline.org

Subject: All About NTR

Dear Pete Kiliani,

I want to inform you of the great experience I am having at NTR (Non-Profit Technology Resources). The best thing about NTR is the opportunity to advance my education. I am a second year college student who has financial aid issues. I felt like I would not be able to go further with my education.

NTR showed me that I do not need a college degree to be successful, but also, that I can always apply for scholarships or learn a trade. I have learned that NTR can provide me with the knowledge to obtain a well paying and rewarding career in IT. As I realized the potential of the program for me, I began to apply myself in all aspects of NTR and realized that I learned things that I didn't know I knew, not until I had to apply myself. When I did apply myself I was able to receive a certification in Internet and computers core fundamentals (IC3). I am currently studying and learning how to be an A+ Technician, and before coming to NTR that would not have been a goal for me.

Sincerly,

Khadijah Freeman

Begin forwarded message:

From: Diane Clory

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: Thank You

I Diane Clory started at Ntr on Monday June 22,2009 had a wonderful experienc so far with no nowledge on some computer info. to knowing and learning a lot in two weeks it was hard but the experience is wonderful. the teachers are great they take time with you, if you don't understand as well as somestudents i thank the Arbor Earn center for sending me. I Pray to God that I do well enough to move forward in a Job career with the expeience I have learned from NTR. Anything this school have to offer I am on it. For the fact that I cant depend on welfare all my life I am 40 years Old and have a special needs 5 year old daughter who is musically talented. I want a good job paying good money with the experience I get from NTR, to build a future for my child and my self. I also thank God for NTR having a program such as this, some organizations wouldn't care about us.

So again Thank You

Diane D. Clory

Begin forwarded message:

From: steve penna

To: pete@ntronline.org

Subject: NTR

Pete,

The program is giving me the know how to identify the inner workings of the computer.The break down of the classes as far as hands on and book study is helpful to me as far learning.The teachers are insightful and take the time to make sure we understand what they are telling me.

Thank You,

Steve Penna

NTR Welcomes The Hacktory

2009-09-28T23:56:00.001-04:00

by Marilyn Kai Jewett

If you’ve ever thought about creating robotic art you should check out The Hacktory. Nonprofit Technology Resources recently welcomed The Hacktory to its family of technology organizations. An innovative organization in the forefront of the trend to combine technology and art, The Hacktory recently opened its new office at NTR. The organization promotes the use of technology in the arts through classes, special events, an resident artist program and materials exchange. Incubated as a project of NTR, it is the first organization of its type in Philadelphia.

Stan Pokras, director of NTR, always wanted an in-house machine shop and thought about getting young people involved in tool-related activities when NTR sponsored an electronic kit-building class a few years ago. “I’m really excited that The Hacktory has joined our family,” he said. “That’s why we offered them space and technical assistance in starting their nonprofit. They’re doing stuff I can’t do, like having classes on computer-controlled devices. Their focus is helping artists to use technology in the creation of art. People have been talking about this for sometime and now The Hacktory is actually doing it.”

Wil Lindsey, a multimedia arts professor of the University of the Arts, is the group’s first artist-in residence. Lindsey will conduct workshops that will culminate in an exhibit at a local art gallery.

The Hacktory’s classes combine engineering, innovative design and art. Upcoming classes include a Brain Machine Workshop, Introduction to NES Audio and Introduction to Kinetic Sculpture.

Pokras said through this association, The Hacktory will expand its outreach and spark innovation in the larger community. “By working with NTR, they will be able to cross the bridge to work with the community and people who can’t afford technology. This may be the spark that inspires young artists in the community who never thought of using technology in the creation of art. We look forward to working with them.”

For more information on The Hacktory and its classes check out its website at http://thehacktory.org

BRING YOUR COMPUTER WORKSHOPS

2009-09-28T23:34:00.001-04:00

by Marilyn Kai Jewett

Got computer problems, but don’t know where to turn to get them fixed? You may want to attend NTR’s “Bring a Computer, Ask a Question” computer repair workshop. A unique program, the monthly workshops held at NTR headquarters have been providing folks with a computer repair alternative since 2005. Participants don’t just get their computers repaired at the workshop, they also become more computer savvy and learn to do some repairs themselves.

With new computer viruses being unleashed on unsuspecting consumers daily, people with all kinds of computer problems attend the workshops seeking help. There is no problem too big that the staff at NTR won’t try to resolve. Repair technicians providing assistance at the workshops include volunteers from The Hacktory and others.

So, if a virus is eating up your hard drive, your computer is slowing down, your printer won’t print or your computer crashed -- don’t call a high-priced computer repair business – call NTR. Spaces for each workshop are limited and participants must be registered. For information on how you can participate in the next workshop, call 215/564-6686.

Video tour of NTR (2006)

2009-09-13T09:56:00.002-04:00

I am tremendously impressed at what goes on at Nonprofit Technology Resources. To see community members helping one another in this way is a thing of beauty.

Phil Shapiro, Adjunct Professor of Education
American University, Washington DC

(Friend of NTR)

Welcome to NTR's blog

2009-09-01T17:48:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the bright idea that it would be great to offer friends of NTR an opportunity to visit here and write about their experience.

Lots of people come through and marvel at the progress that been made in bringing the old warehouse on Brandywine Street up and running as a training center, store and factory.

My great joy is seeing our staff, interns, clients and volunteers all working merrily. It's so much like how we picture Santa's workshop! Busy people making wonderful (do I dare call them toys?) computers.

And of course, the best is when we have a happy group of youngsters going home, each with a free computer of their own.

So, please visit this magical place. Meet the people who are working and learning here, and then come to this Blog and let others know what you have seen and heard.

Thanks,

Stan