Computer buddies wins Recognition in November
Program puts computers in foster homes

COLUMBIA, S.C., Nov. 2, 2005 -- Ms. Jutta Young, Mr. David Fellows and other staff involved in the "Computer Buddies" program today received the Blue Granite Recognition for their selfless time and dedication to they young citizens they serve, announced state Sen. Phil Leventis, D-S.C.

The team has worked extensively with the S.C. Foster Parents Association, in conjunction with the Department of Social Services, to put more than 1200 computers directly in foster homes for the exclusive use by some of our state's most vulnerable children -- the state's foster children, Leventis said. In the past year, "Computer Buddies" has helped place computer labs in four DJJ Teen After School Centers, including one that is housed behind the fence for juveniles at the DJJ Broad River Road Complex and three housed in churches in Hartsville, Bishopville, and Greenville, and another 50+ churches waiting to get involved.

The "Computer Buddies" program recruits volunteers (usually other state employees) across the state to help maintain these computers and assist children and youth in loading software appropriate to their individual needs. To achieve so much for so many at risk children and youth is outstanding. To reach this level of contribution, these deeply committed state employees have found ways to recycle and refurbish old state agency computers, test and compile free educational software, train managers, and recruit volunteers. They do this to help foster children and other at-risk youth succeed academically and in jobs. The group has a remarkable team spirit that motivates others to do whatever it takes to bring computers technology and caring volunteers to children and youth in need. This spirit exemplifies the best of what state employees can create and accomplish, even when budgets are limited.


OTHER WINNERS
"Computer Buddies" is the only known program nationally that has creatively combined its resources to put a fully integrated program in place for foster children and at-risk youth. It has been able to utilize assistance from Prison Industries to repair, upgrade and recycle computers that cannot be used any longer by state employees and is in the process of helping DJJ do the same. The program operates on a training of trainers' model where managers train volunteers and volunteers train others in order to spread the word and work of the program. In addition to economical training, the "Computer Buddies"' materials, instructions, and software are free to foster and adoptive children, other at-risk youth, and volunteers via the websites, making the Computer Buddies program highly cost-effective, replicable, and sustainable.

The Blue Granite Recognition is a monthly program to highlight excellence achieved by South Carolina state employees. The Recognition, sponsored by the S.C. State Credit Union, is online at: www.bluegraniterecognition.org. It is deemed a "recognition" because winners are not picked as a result of competitions. They are being recognized for the fine work they do as public employees.

Prior recipients include employees at SCETV, S.C. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, S.C. Department of Transportation, the Governor's Ombudsman office, the Department of Health and Human Services, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, and state law enforcement officers.
©2004-2005, Blue Granite Recognition.