[Leaplist] Charitable proposal for Leap members.

[patrick]

I am a Veteran, and talked to some of the directors at the VA about one
area they might be needing help with.

The VA Clinic here in Winter Park houses 60 veterans who have become
homeless.  The program rehabilitates them over 90 days or so.  Some are
victims of illness, accidents, but, are now recovered.  I think the
program is an OutReach non profit type government sponsored thing.
Probably a great way to recycle Public School computers, or government
excess computers... and actually have them out there doing some good
instead of just being salvaged to the junk vultures.

These folks get some training, some breathing space, clothes, and some
necessities to start over, along with guidance in finding a job and a
place to live.

We know that to get and keep a job, it often requires some computer
skills, some access to computers.  They have two, there.  I can imagine
there are lines.

Also, they probably do not run Linux.  So, I am expecting a phone call
from one of the directors, after they have discussed this concept.  I
imagine they will run it by their IT guys, which could probably kill it.

My sense is that many folks will do what they are paid to do in their
government jobs, but, the thought that volunteers are out here ready to
help just can't intrude into their world.

My offer is to give them some of the computers that I have, along with
the latest CDroms of Mepis, PCLinuxOS, and a 30 minute to one hour
class, each week for the summer, on a regular schedule, so they are up
to speed when they relocate out in the world.

I would like to see each veteran have a computer so as to have some
capability to communicate, post their resume, and join in the community
that is of interest to them, on the web.

I live about a mile away so it is easy for me to go there.  I will
convey more as I learn it.  I am awaiting their call.