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TriMedx Gives Those in Need the Gift of Technology

Indianapolis, IN (August 25, 2001)- It was a great day for giving. And although the hot weather made them perspire a little, it didn't wither the enthusiasm of the TriMedx associates who delivered eleven computers to the Julian Center.

Monitors, towers, speakers, keyboards, software, licenses - all pieces and parts - were donated to the nonprofit agency that provides counseling, education and safe shelter to victims of domestic violence and abuse.

John Schuler, Systems Engineer at Intech, had first contacted a day care center to see if they could use the computers. The day care center representative said someone would get back with John and let him know. Two weeks passed with no word from the day care representative. Kathy Riggs, Executive Assistant at Intech, heard John talking about the computers and how there had been no response from the day care center. Kathy immediately thought of The Julian Center. She was once associated with the Center and knew they could use the computers.

When John called The Julian Center, they responded by saying, "Yes, they could use seven of them." John replied, "Actually, you are welcome to take all eleven of them." The representative was thrilled! John said he could hear the excitement of the Center workers through the phone when they were told they could have them all. "It was great - they didn't want to be too selfish by taking all of them," John added.

The computers are older models, but John and fellow Systems Engineer, Rob Jenkins, took time out of their workday to get the computers up to speed. "There were some that didn't have enough memory, so we increased the memory on them," noted John, "and there were no speakers, so we were given permission to purchase speakers for each computer."

Carleen Richardson, Shelter Director for The Julian Center, mentioned more than once that the donation of the computers was truly a blessing, and they would have more than a few good uses for them. Ms. Richardson stated that the computers will be used by those who seek shelter there, "They can't use staff equipment, so it will help when women can come here and work on their resumes and upgrade their skills."

The center is starting a school for grades K-8, so the school children will utilize a few of the computers. Often, children who are exposed to domestic violence lag behind in their academics because of the stress of an abusive household -- the computers can help them keep up with their schoolwork.

Three of the computers will be placed in a game room and three others will be set up in the women's lounge. One computer will be located upstairs for individuals who aren't able to walk or can't easily get around.

Ms. Richardson informed us that they will soon be moving to a larger facility that will house many more women and children. They will save the remaining computers for later use in their new facility.

The Julian Center is a United Way agency and was founded by one of the first women Episcopal priests with grants from Lilly Endowment and the Episcopal Diocese. Since 1975, women have turned to The Julian Center for strength and shelter.

If you would like more information about the Julian Center, please visit their web site at www.juliancenter.org.