At the end of August, the PRC honored Frank Goetz, as he retired from full-time volunteering and leadership at the Center. There were many bittersweet moments, as the staff and volunteers remembered and honored Frank’s contribution to their own understanding and commitment to social justice.

For many of our faithful volunteers and staff, Frank IS the PRC. It was his vision that initially drew them to the Center. It was his wisdom that helped them to stay faithful. And it was his compassion that continually called them to greater levels of involvement and commitment.

In 1995, shortly after Frank retired from Bell Laboratories after 43 years of service, he began to volunteer at the Center. In 1996, after visiting a program in Detroit, Frank set his mind toward creating greater access to mainstream employment for the people PRC serves. Frank knew that the economic engine of DuPage was tied to computer technology. He also knew that it was in its infancy. If we could find a way to become a training ground for people living on low incomes, if we could place technology jobs within their reach, their lives and futures could be changed.

Who could have imagined how that vision would be realized over the years? Over the years since the Computer Training and Access Program began, over 8,000 computers have been distributed to individuals and families, (5,000 as a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher) Thousands of students have been introduced to computers, learned basic keyboard skills, and become computer literate in our 15 neighborhood training sites. People have gained employment, or moved into higher level positions. Children were able to do their homework and achieve in school through having a computer in their home. Isolated elderly or disabled people found a way to connect with others. Computers have become part of the lives of thousands of people in our community.

In the past couple of years, Frank has worked hard to develop a meaningful job assistance program here at the PRC. Volunteer mentors work with those seeking employment, and companies conduct job fairs on site. This combination has resulted in numerous successful job matches. Just in the past year, 71 people have found jobs through this program, and we are averaging 26 applications for job assistance per month. Frank’s vision has nurtured 7 volunteer job mentors as they work with job seekers to achieve a good job match.

May God continue to bless the road ahead of you, Frank. And may the blessing of your friendship with those who are poor or forgotten in our community always enlighten the path of the People’s Resource Center.