The public is invited to join Loaves, Fishes and Computers (LFC) and the Salinas Valley Chamber for an evening of networking and making professional connections, when LFC kicks off “Celebrating 10 Years of Service to Monterey County.”
The FREE Chamber mixer will be held at the LFC offices at 938 S. Main in downtown Salinas from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21. Reservations can be made at: http://www.salinaschamber.com/events/details/loaves-fishes-and-computers-mixer-1357
Since 2009, the non-profit LFC has provided more than 6,300 computers and assisted more than 41,700 individuals with low-cost computer systems, digital literacy classes, and technical assistance. LFC helps low-income families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, schools, and non-profit organizations,
LFC works annually with over 200 multi-ethnic volunteers, ages 12-80, who help refurbish computers, assist clients, and learn business, administrative, and customer service skills. Many youth complete their community service requirements while developing technical and business skills, and learn about employment requirements and career opportunities for the computer and information technology Industry.
“As we embark on our 10th year, we also want to expand opportunities for our dedicated volunteers, helping them further their skills with mentorships and internships at our local businesses,” said Christian Mendelsohn, LFC’s founder and executive director. “We’re trusting that our Chamber Mixer, with refreshments provided by Alvarez Technology Group, will make more companies aware of how they can help youth and young adults become the next generation workforce for Monterey County.
“And as LFC advances its mission to help close the economic and digital divides in our region, its 10th anniversary focuses on new initiatives, such as its workshops “Chromebooks for Families—Together & Connected,” where a parent and child have a bonding experience as they learn refurbishing and digital literacy skills—and get to take home a Chromebook!”
LFC has also developed an extensive bilingual (English-Spanish) curriculum for the workshops and its 6-week digital literacy classes, which it has conducted for many schools and school districts throughout the region, training hundreds of parents on the technology their children use.
