NEWS RELEASE -
Contact: Bekah Greenwald
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
401-767-2100
February 17, 2009
Free Geek Providence Gives RiverzEdge Youth Free Computer
30 More on the way
Woonsocket, RI: Free Geek Providence, a non-profit organization that gives recycled computer systems to needy recipients, has generously offered to donate up to 30 computers to Woonsocket youths participating in the RiverzEdge Arts Project. After the first computer was donated and presented today to graduating senior Elleen Ebiwa to support her transition to college, Free Geek extended the offer to RiverzEdge.
According to Nathan Hutnak, founder and director of Free Geek Providence, RiverzEdge Arts will serve as both an entry-point into Woonsocket as a community in need, and as a chance to support a like-minded organization with “leg up and out” goals. Using the tag line “We help the needy get nerdy,” Free Geek Providence donates computers to help bridge economic and educational divides that limit opportunities. Brad Fesmire, program and painting studio director at RiverzEdge, said that more than half of RiverzEdge youth have no access to a computer, limiting their ability to progress educationally and, therefore, economically.
Hutnak added, “RiverzEdge is exactly the type of organization we strive to help in the greater Providence region. Because of their focus on economic self-reliance and getting teenagers into college, we know that our computer systems earmarked for redistribution will be put to good use.”
“The need here is great,” said Fesmire. “Most of our students do not have computer access to meet even their graduation requirements let alone to compete in college and beyond. On a day-to-day basis we get to see how small barriers get in the way, and how difficult they are to overcome when there are bigger barriers as well. Intercepted e-waste loaded with open source software is going to make an enormous difference in the lives of our students.”
While RiverzEdge and Free Geek have relatively simple goals—to engage youth in disciplined artistic effort for better future outcomes, and to recycle and redistribute computers for people and the planet—the logistics behind this new kind of philanthropy are anything but: “Our largest obstacle is overcoming the lack of a central location,” added Hutnak, “so finding new homes for a large donation given we don’t yet have a place to store them is all we could hope for, thirty more computers coming right up if I have to drive them there myself!”
RiverzEdge Arts Project is a youth development program giving educationally and economically disenfranchised youth in northern Rhode Island paid employment in the arts and a voice in the community. Based in Woonsocket, RiverzEdge engages teens in a lifestyle of disciplined effort, creative expression and economic self-reliance. Log onto http://www.riverzedgearts.org for more information.
Free Geek Providence is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to addressing the digital divide by providing computer training, redistributing computer technology and providing volunteer opportunities to our community while maintaining relationships with responsible recycling partners. Visithttp://www.freegeekpvd.org/ to find out more.
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Profile of Elleen Ebiwa
written by Mary Weiker, age 19
Elleen Ebiwa, 17, is an aspiring teen artist from Woonsocket. She has lived in Woonsocket all her life and currently lives with her brother while she finishes high school. She is a senior at the Woonsocket High School where she has traveled with her class to London and Italy, where she is part of the National Honors Society and will be graduating with a 3.5 GPA. After graduation, she plans on attending college to further educate herself with the desire to one day be part of a personally enjoyable career that will support her to be self sufficient in life, as well as support her dreams of traveling the world. Her top choices are Northeastern University and Boston University.
Elleen has many interests and is driven to explore multiple possibilities during her college experience. One particular interest she is presently involved in is screen printing. She creatively exercises her skill in screen printing as a Mentor at RiverzEdge Arts Project in Woonsocket. Elleen has been a part of RiverzEdge for four years, two of which she has spent as a member on the Board of Directors for the program. Elleen first came to RiverzEdge to help support her family but found more than she bargained for. “RiverzEdge gives me responsibility and leadership skills I wouldn’t normally be provided and makes me more socially open minded.”
Free Geek granted Elleen a brand new computer for her home and studies. Upon receiving this computer, she says she feels more equipped for her education and is excited to have access to the new explorations the computer enables. “This computer is going to help me a lot with my school work and I am very thankful for it and thankful to the people who gave it to me.”
Below and attached: Nathan Hutnak shows Elleen Ebiwa the Linux operating system on her new computer. Linux comes loaded with free open source programs.
Nathan Hutnak of Free Geek Providence shows Elleen Ebiwa her new computer.
