Program which Donates Refurbished Computers to Needy Families Expanding into Cass County

"Berrien County’s Bridges to Digital Excellence (BDE Technical Services), 175 W. Main St. in downtown Benton Harbor, has been around since 2003, when it started as a program of the Council for World-Class Communities, but will become more familiar (in Cass and Van Buren Counties) as the non-profit 501(c)3 recycler elevates its profile in Van Buren and Cass counties to bridge the digital divide between business and technology."

Bridges to Digital Excellence refurbishes computers that are donated by businesses and individuals and then donates these to families in Benton Harbor and other communities which may not have access to home computer technology.

"“In the Cass County area, we’re going to be piloting a program this fall,” (BDE CEO) Chapman said. “My committee on the Computers in the Home (CIH) program will be outreaching to a school here and we’ll be giving away our first nine or 10 computers this fall when school starts up.”

To date, Chapman related, more than $2.5 million in refurbished computers and software have been donated to individuals." Before families may receive a donated computer, BDE also provides computer training for those families in downtown Benton Harbor.

Earlier this year, Bridges to Digital Excellence also initiated a program of recycling of computers and other electronics. Their employees are hired through Michigan Works.

www.dowagiacnews.com/2010/06/20/bde-expanding-to-cass-county/