Updates
An update from Anna Aug 8, 2013
I wanted to reach out to you regarding the progress of MEK and his IT Career Lab program. In spite of the various personal challenges MEK has encountered during this course, with the Benevolent transportation grant he has completed all of the semesters of the Cisco Academy:
· Networking for Home and Small Businesses
· Working at a Small-to-Medium Business or ISP
· Introducing Routing and Switching in the Enterprise
· Designing and Supporting Computer Networks
MEK is preparing to take the Network+ Certification by the end of August.
Help us congratulate MEK on this success! It has been a long road but he continued to persevere. Look forward to hearing about his results for the Network+ Certification.
An update from MEK Feb 28, 2013
I had been struggling for weeks to manage to attend a computer volunteer workshop. I wanted to attend the workshop for hands on experience with hardware, as well as the opportunity to earn credit towards a laptop through a program offered by the organization that holds the work shop. When we applied to Benevolent for assistance with bus fare, I did not have any further plans. Since then, though, I have been approved for and accepted into a computer network technician training course (the career path I had envisioned for myself). So, in addition to attending the volunteer computer workshops, I have begun attending classes at the Able Career Institute downtown.
Without the assistance from Benevolent, I would not have been able to attend either.
Additionally, as part of the tuition for the Computer Network Technician training, I was given a laptop computer which I will be able to keep after the training is completed.
So, while everything did not occur exactly according to plan, I have made positive steps towards the goals I have set for myself, and moved forward down the path to self-sufficiency and success. None of this would have been possible without the assistance I received from Benevolent (which allowed me to travel freely, and participate in the programs which are providing me with the skills I need to move forward.)
I am extremely grateful to Benevolent for their assistance. I would like to thank everyone involved in providing the assisstance I have received. I look forward to being able to provide future updates on my progess to show that I have continued to work towards a better future for myself.
Thank You all Very Much,
M.E.K.
An update from Anna Feb 26, 2013
MEK received his bus passes. He is using one right now to attend a training.
Message from Anna: Dec 17, 2012
I was so excited to see that MEK's need was funded. Just last week he was explaining to me about his expectations that things would not work out for him. Having a way to get to places will not only help him get his computer but he is also going to be able to use them for job and housing searches and his WIA orientation. This will further his computer and career goals.
Update from the Benevolent Team Dec 5, 2012
Because the CTA will be raising the price of 30-day bus passes in 2013, we have adjusted MEK's post to reflect the new amounts.
- The Benevolent Team
Overview
I need bus passes to attend a computer (hardware) course. This includes 2 30-day CTA bus passes which will cost in total $172.
Meeting this need will help me because the bus fare will allow me to earn a laptop and I believe this will improve my employment opportunities and provide me with the tools to improve my situation.
Meeting this need will help me achieve future goals because I have knowledge of computers and the internet but, otherwise could not afford a computer.
This will open the door not only for employment but for future education opportunities as well.
My current situation is I am attending a computer course in order to earn a laptop which I believe will improve my chances of finding work.
Right now, my biggest challenge is I am homeless and unemployed. I sleep on the street and it is very difficult for me to find employment of any kind.
I attended vocational courses at Kaskaskia Community College. I've worked at jobs including welding, roofing, concrete, carpentry, and construction laborer.
Something interesting about me is I am the tallest person in my family.
I am punctual, hardworking, and focused. Your donations will not be wasted.
I'm most proud of the fact that I have not been in trouble since my release from prison in December of 2004.
I think of myself mostly as a misfit outside of society struggling to fit in.
Need funded!
Thank you for helping MEK fund this need.
8 supporters
This need has been validated by Anna from Inspiration Corporation
Recent supporters
- $25
- $5
- $25
- $25
- $10
- $25
- $25
- $80
Validated
Validated by Anna from Inspiration Corporation (What does this mean?)
Each need is validated by a nonprofit that knows the person and can verify that the help is necessary. Funds flow from Benevolent to the nonprofit, which then gets them to the person in need and lets us know how it went.
Learn more »I have been working with MEK for only a few months, however he has Alumni status with IC and I have seen him since 2009.
I think meeting this need is important because he is ready to move forward. MEK shows a resiliance far above and beyond anything I could ever imagine living through. I know that meeting his basic needs like transportation will get him not only to his computer classes but to medical and housing appointments.
This will move the recipient's life forward by crossing off one "if I had" from his list.
MEK learned how to work on computers during his time in prison. Some of his goals include to run an internet based business and go to DeVry to earn his BA degree.
About Anna
Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Anna Wilson and I am the Case Manager for Inspiration Corporation’s Foodservice Training program, Garfield Park , which is located in our Social Enterprise Restaurant Inspiration Kitchens at 3504 W Lake Street ,Chicago IL .
In an atmosphere of… Read more