Making Digital Equity a Reality

PCs for People is a national nonprofit social enterprise that works to get low-cost quality computers into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits for those who are economically vulnerable. The organization’s model contributes to environmental sustainability by intercepting usable computers before they reach landfills and refurbishing them for reuse. In November, JFS clients were the recipients of PCs for People’s efforts to reach a larger audience and strengthen community partnerships.

After referring clients to PCs for People for years and sharing information about JFS’s Abby’s Impact: Realizing Resilience classes, PCs for People connected with the JFS team about their all-in-one devices. JFS and PCs for People worked to gauge interest from clients and organize the distribution event. (Abby’s Impact is a client-centered, integrated program for those 14 years and older that builds skills to facilitate resiliency and foster healthy minds. Learn more about the program.)

“Clients were very excited to purchase their devices, and many brought their children who were eager to have their first computers,” shared Amanda Hernandez, Abby’s Impact program coordinator. “The computer distribution event coincided with the JFS Thanksgiving basket distribution, and both meant a great deal to clients. One client expressed how grateful she was to be able to receive the added resources during a time when so much uncertainty impacted her and her daughter. Our team appreciated PCs for People’s offer to help, and we look forward to continuing to send referrals to purchase other electronic devices from the organization.

In total, 32 clients received an all-in-one device from the event—24 of whom attended the day of the event and eight who picked up devices after the event—and benefitted from making digital inclusion a reality.