Finding out what's new at Computer Corps

Computer Corps is growing and growing under the direction of President and CEO Ron Norton. The building at 6373 Highway 50 East covers 40,000 square feet - every inch used.

"Our mission - Computer Corps is a nationally recognized 501c3 organization," Norton said. "We are dedicated to providing access to computer technology and skill training for all families, while eliminating eWaste in our nation's landfills. We refurbish, reuse, recycle and train.

"Some of our newest additions are a TechCamp Program for 10- to 15-year-old kids during vacations, a Techs in Training Program for 15- to 90-year- old individuals, a Fifty Plus Program for seniors 50 years old and above and a Computer Advantage Program for individuals needing a computer who can volunteer and contribute a donation toward our mission."

There are eight paid staff members, eight AmeriCorps volunteers and more than 1,900 volunteers who have invested more than 25,000 hours of volunteer services to date. Volunteer Director Cindy Fleck said she especially enjoys being around seniors.

"We have a group of men here who have so much to give back to us," she said. "There is no waste of talent.

"My job is to place volunteers where they would fit best - administrative, technical, facilities and virtual volunteers. We need more volunteers."

"A variety of people get the computers we make," Norton said. "They are sold in the Thrift Store and that helps support us. The ComputerCorps is funded by sponsorships, grants, program funding and donations from a long list of organizations.

"We have the Earn and Learn Program in which the volunteer works 48 hours and earns a complete computer system, the Computer Advantage Program in which the volunteer works 24 hours and gets a system for $50 or a person can pay $100 for a complete system."

"Our newest program, 'Every Home a Classroom,' is a computer literacy program developed by ComputerCorps and initially funded through a grant from the Nevada State Department of Education and receives ongoing funding through a grant from the United States Department of Justice," Fleck said.

"A free, Internet-ready computer system will be provided to eligible low-income families who do not have computers in the home. A family must have one or more school-age children who attend primary school and meet the requirements."

"We started in 1998 with two volunteers in the basement of the old Empire Ranch house," Norton said.

"The network operation still takes place there. We now are planning on expanding all across Nevada and have chapters in Reno and Las Vegas, but we need warehouses and other buildings there.

Since 1998 more than 1.2 million computer items have been kept out of the landfills by refurbishing, reusing or recycling and more the 5,500 computer systems have been upgraded, repaired and refurbished and returned back into the community."

Ron Norton had a dream and it is coming true with the help of volunteers, donations and supporters all over Nevada.

For information, visit www.computercorps.org or call 883-2323.