abc-cde

Association for Better Child Care, Development & Education

'Dwight's Computers for kids'

Dwight Stephenson
President, Dwight's Computers for Kids

A digital divide?? That's no way.
Not here!! Its unnessary in the U.S.A.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is 'Dwight's Computers for Kids'?

Dwight's Computers for Kids' is a program to help bridge the 'digital divide' by giving a refurbished computer to kids who don't have one. No cost and no strings attached. None. It was developed from the mind and with the desire of Dwight Stephenson, (the former Miami Dolphin great and NFL hall of famer) now a sucessful businessman and builder.

What is the background behind the program?

Dwight's Computers for Kids' was established in 1998 by a former Miami Dolphins football player, Dwight Stephenson, (See Bio) and a businessman, Howard G. Kaufman. When Dwight replaced a computer inr his office, he gave the one it replaced to the son of an employee. named Jorge. The impact on Jorge was so positive Dwight partnered with Howard, president of abc-cde, to establish a program that would reach other children in low income familiies. Mr. Kaufman, semi-retired at the time, has a long career as a successful executive. The list of his charitable and other activities is long and includes, CEO of national and international investment and venture capital companies: Owner of Howard G. Kaufman Associates, President of Commonwealth International Research & Development Ltd., President & CEO of Life Insurance Companies, President of the Greater Miami Chapter of American Red Magen David Adom ( Red Cross of Israel, U.S. branch), and many other civic, charity, and business interests.

What is the goal of the 'Dwight's Computers for kids' program?

Total elimination of the digital divide. By developing a program that will incorporate helping existing charitable and non-profit orginazations throughout the country, helping to initiate new ones where there are none, and tying them all together. This can be done with help from businesses, individuals, all types of organizations, and asociating with sports and other personalities, including endorsements from them. In our country we are currently disposing of hundreds of millions of pionds of of computer equupment every year. It is estimated that more than 65% is useable at the time of replacement. If we continue to increase the size of dumps, the enviromental impact (just the lead in each computer averages more than 4 pounds) it will be far more costly than a cooperative effort by communities, businesses, and individuals to make our Dwight's Computers for Kids program successful.

What is the relationship between 'Dwight's Computers for Kids' and abc-cde?

'Dwight's Computers for Kids' is sponsored and operated by abc-cde, a non-profit organization with many years of providing various services to children from low-income families. Most of the programs had the purpose of encouraging parents, early on, to believe in the possibility that their children could pursue higher education. The 'Dwight's Computers for Kids' program operates under its umbrella of administrative services and activities. To date (2009) no monetery funds have been solicited or received. The entire cost of the venture has been underwritten by Dwight Stephenson and Howard Kaufman.

Where will you get computers for the program?

From businesses and individuals who are updating to new equpment.

Before the program started in 1998, two computers were discarded for every three made, thereby contributing more than 200,000 tons of old machines to the nation's refuse. A 1995 Carnegie Mellon study estimated that, as of 1995, 25 million PCs had been discarded globally. This number is estimated to have increased to 300 million by the year 2000; enough to fill an acre-wide hold seven miles deep. Add 75 to 100 million more each year. Assuming landfill charges of $50/ton, the discarded computers have cost more than one half billion dollars, not including the cleanup costs from hazardous materials that leach into the environment. Why should workable computers end up as trash, hurt our environment, costing us so many billions of dollars, when they can be given to kids?

Q ,So many retired computers. Are their days all gone? A. Of course not! These got to Dwight, so life goes on.	Where?? It goes in there!

Who has donated computers to the program?

All types of businesses and individuals. The more prominent firms Include a national tv cable company, Charter Cable Communications, a national retail sports chain, The Sports Authority, financial services companies like, H & R Block, hospitals and health care companies like, Mt. Sinai Medical Center & Miami Heart Institute, and Pan American Hospital, medical associations like, Hollywood Medical Association, national nurses organizations like CHG; non-profit cultural associations like, Miami City Ballet and the Concert Association, public Institutions like the Dade CountySchool Board and the University of Miami, insurance companies, educational institutions, software manufactures, construction companies, banks, law firms, etc. These and a few of the others include, Bienstock & Associates PA; BMI Insurance Company; Broward County General Hospital; Delray Surgical and Laser Center; Dotmarketing Inc.; Eagle Brands Distributers (Budweiser); Financial Data Planning; FTA (Florida Tennis Assn.); Gladstone & Weissman PA; Greater Miami Tennis Foundation; Hightower & Pozo PA; Legal Computer Consultants; Plave Manten Consulting Group; Pl3x Inc; Richard & Richard PA; Roland Gomez PA; Sungard Inc.; Swerdlow Group: USTA (United States Tennis Assn.);etc.

Q. ...Then where? Where will these computers go? A. ........To the homes of kids. And rightfully so.	Its Mine! Devin, Matthew, Michael, Christina, Miami

So? Instead of using computers to pollute the ground. More Dwight's kids are easily found.	Donald, Miami

Step 1. RECEIVE COMPUTERS. Useable computers are donated to 'Dwight's Computers for Kids'. Computers should be in working condition, Pentium III or higher and when possible any associated software.

Step 2. CLEAR DATA. All data relating to the donor is removed. Low level formatting on the entire drive is used, when requested, which totally removes all data including programs and the OS. See, Removing personal data from a computer.

Step 3. UPGRADE COMPUTERS. After all personal data is removed, computers are refurbished, tested and made desirable for our targeted children.

Step 5. INSTALL SOFTWARE. Educational software and programs designed to teach computer familiarity are added, including chess, a typing tutor, and other mind games.

Step 6. IDENTIFY RECIPIENTS. All children without a computer in their home are eligible. Sponsors and mentors throughout the community recommend deserving children and submit their names to our selection committee. A typical sponsor can be a teacher, principal, pastor, counselor, social worker, health provider, community leader, professional businessman/women, etc. Kids are prioritized based upon how many computers are on hand and individual qualification. Recipients are identified and chosen by the committee. Sponsors are encouraged to include in their recommendatons academic achievement and other merit-based performance, especially including attitude and work habits. Exceptional children are always considered and given special consideration.The family of a recipient must approve the donation and demonstrate support for housing the computer.

I'd like to help. What can I do to become a supporter?