LV foster families getting much-needed computers

Having a computer at home has been a blessing for LaVerne Ligon.

In a household with four foster and three adopted children, the computer from a nonprofit organization serves a great need. Especially for Ligon's 11-year-old daughter, who is learning disabled and just now learning to write.

"It makes it a lot easier," Ligon said. "She's real excited about it. She uses it for class projects and it helps her see the end project faster.

"She has exposure to computers in school, but with so many kids, it's hard for her to spend the time that she needs on the computer. Now, at home, she can spend as much time as she likes. She's very creative. It's amazing."

Ligon's computer is one of 17 distributed by the the Foster Care and Adoption Association of Nevada since September. Charles Avery, a board member, says it's only the beginning. Many families involved in foster care usually have low to middle incomes and can't afford to buy a computer.

"Just in Southern Nevada, we probably have 540 foster families. We want to put a computer in each home."

The organization's "Preparing Foster Children for the Millennium Program" receives used surplus computers donated by local corporations and state agencies, then delivers them on a first come, first served basis.

Computers have been donated by Norwest Bank, Bank of America and United Parcel Service. The organization recently registered with the surplus property program at Nevada's Purchasing Division Property Management Program to receive its surplus as well.

"A lot of of companies are merging and they end up with a surplus," Avery said. "The computers are used, but they're still good."

Norwest, which is merging with Wells Fargo, has donated eight computers to the organization.

"As technology improves, we are constantly upgrading our equipment," Mindy Elliot, spokeswoman for Norwest/Wells Fargo, said. "It only makes sense to donate to organizations in the community that really need it."

Because the organization is nonprofit, it relies on community support for the computers.

"We don't have a lot of money. We mostly do training," Avery said.

The training classes offered are for foster parents who have children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

"That's the sign of the times," he said. "Children are having children. Many were on alcohol or drugs.

"A lot of them (foster children) have been classified as special ed. For those kids, getting on the computer, even if it just starts with games, allows them to ascertain positive habits as far as studying and problem solving. It teaches them to follow instructions and develop other skills that will prepare them for the future," he said.

For Ligon's daughter, the future is looking much brighter.

She's had problems in reading, but not anymore, Ligon said. Her reading teacher said she's improved.

Ligon's 11-year-old son also uses the computer, and is more computer literate than his foster sister, she said.

Avery said he's received about 30 letters from parents in the valley, hoping for a computer.

"These kids are already in unfortunate situations," Avery said. "We have kids who have been in foster care for years. I'm going to keep trying. I'm not going to leave any stone unturned."

archive