IBM Smarter City Team Challenge Bringing Technology to Homeless Children

Children living at the Volunteers of America Family Shelter will be learning on a whole new level, thanks to IBM’s Smarter City Team Challenge. The IBM team has graciously donated two IBM KidSmart computers, which they will install February 16. At 11:30 am, IBM will host an I Love Learning party with pizza, refreshments, and the donation of a special Arts & Crafts Kit for use at the Family Shelter. (Media is invited from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.)

The Kidsmart computers feature state of the art software housed in a kid-friendly Little Tykes table. The new technology will provide enrichment and educational opportunities to some of Reno’s most vulnerable citizens.

“This is such an incredible gift for the children and families who call Volunteers of America home,” said Sandy Isham, Development and Community Relations Officer for Volunteers of America. “Because of IBM’s generosity, these kids, and many others for years to come have opportunities they may never have dreamed of.  We are so grateful to be part of the IBM Smarter City project.” 

Long-time Volunteers of America supporters Mayor and Mrs. Cashell are scheduled to attend the event, along with the City of Reno team that earned the honor of being named an IBM Smarter City.

Each night in Northern Nevada, Volunteers of America, a national nonprofit, faith-based human service organization, provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and affordable housing for more than 700 men, women and children, including seniors, veterans, and the mentally ill.  At the Community Assistance Center in downtown Reno, Volunteers of America operates the Family Shelter, Men’s Shelter, Women’s Shelter, Resource Center, and ReStart Mental Health Support programs, serving more than 7,700 people each year.  Community partnerships are building at an excellent pace, and now we’d like to harness those relationships into a strong financial foundation that will protect and expand programs to best serve our community.

Established locally in 1896, the Northern California and Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating programs dedicated to ending homelessness, supporting the most vulnerable populations and transforming communities.  For more information, see www.voa-ncnn.org or contact Sandy Isham, development and community relations officer at 775.322.7143 or sisham@voa-nv.org.

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