Computer Technology

WHAT WE DO

The PRC Computer Programs, established in 1998, give low-income people marketable computer skills, basic knowledge about the technology, and a computer for their home. The goals are to help eliminate the "digital divide" by helping people achieve mainstream wages and a career path -- long term solutions to escaping poverty. The PRC continuously receives donated computers. We recruit volunteer instructors and technicians who teach computer courses in neighborhood training sites, and recondition/refurbish donated computers to give to families who need them.

HOW WE DO IT

In 2008, our staff and volunteers reconditioned over 1,130 donated computers, and distributed them to low-income DuPage County residents and non-profit agencies. This technology team also supports and maintains the computer equipment at 12 of our 15 active Computer training sites throughout the County.

In addition to producing reconditioned computers, the team also supports client computers for an unlimited period of time--free of charge--on a carry-in basis. This is referred to as the “Dr. Fix-It” program.
If maintenance or repair to a computer is needed, fill out the following online: Dr. Fix-It Request

The PRC Computer Program also supports computers at all of our training sites and various agencies. Please use the on-line Dr. Fix-It form for issues at these locations as well.

IMPACT

739 families received free refurbished computers for their homes. 843 families received free repairs and maintenance for their home computers. Since the program's inception, more than 8,000 reconditioned computers have been distributed to households through our Community Technology Center in Wheaton.

YOU CAN HELP

The computer equipment currently being accepted can be found by clicking here.

If you have questions about computer equipment you would like to donate, please do not hesitate to contact the PRC Computer Lab at (630)682-5402, or send a message via Contact Us.

Donations Accepted: Monday through Friday 9am -12N and 2pm – 4pm; Saturday 9am -12N at 201 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton IL 60187

Computer Technology Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed to make this program thrive. We welcome both retired and working individuals who want to contribute their time to a worthy cause. We have many opportunities with flexible time schedules: Computer Service Representatives.

Computer Service Representatives (CSRs), are volunteers who staff our Computer Technology Center (CTC) in Wheaton, and are the first point of contact for all computer services.

CSRs are customer-focused volunteers who explain the importance of having a computer in the home for children, adults, and seniors, register clients for classes, give computers to eligible recipients, answer questions, and update our computer program database. Teams of two to four CSRs are needed for each shift, on weekdays and Saturdays.

Computer Reconditioners
We are always in need of skilled technicians for reconditioning Windows computers and installing and testing software. They must also be willing to dedicate their time to refurbishing donated computer equipment in our computer labs in Wheaton. Our talented volunteers refurbish about 100 computers each month, which are then distributed through our community technology center. These computers can later be brought in for free repair by volunteers in the computer lab.

There is always need for the following:

Skilled individuals to staff the Dr. Fix-It help desk and resolve both hardware and software computer issues.
IT professionals with skills in Windows server environments and database development
For those who do not possess in-depth computer skills, we also have a great need for volunteers in the following areas: transport computers between sites; take unusable equipment to recycling centers; perform final testing of computer systems; other miscellaneous tasks as needed.

To volunteer for one or more of the above needs, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form .

To inquire further about volunteering, call (630) 682-5402, or send a message via Contact Us.

VICTORS OF CIRCUMSTANCE

Our Computer Technology Access program provides over 1000 computers each year to our clients free of charge. We also provide “lifetime” free technical support and repair for these computers. Over the years we have received hundreds of verbal and written words of appreciation from our clients who have received these services. These have been very moving notes of gratitude, like a woman who wrote, “Without your repair service, I would have lost all my work files”, or another who wrote, “You made it possible for my son to do his homework”.