Did you know? One of the ways CASA volunteers promote educational advocacy for the children on their cases is through finding them a laptop or computer, so they can complete their school assignments. CASA of Tarrant County is thankful for our partnership with Computer CPR, who refurbishes donated computers and gives them to the children we serve.
Program Director Denee Borchardt says: “Since 2019, Computer CPR of Southlake, Texas has partnered with CASA of Tarrant County in providing desktops and laptops to the children, caregivers, and/or foster parents we serve. To date, CPR has provided over 95 computers to our CASA families. Through their representative, Susan Jeandron, our advocates coordinate pick up and delivery of the computers.
Aiden was one child that benefited from this partnership recently. As a near-drowning victim, he suffered a severe brain injury and was paralyzed from the neck down. In foster care, his CASA volunteer identified his need for him to have his own laptop for zoom visits with family and other parties. Computer CPR ensured Aiden had the best and newest laptop available for his very own! On May 3rd, his CASA delivered it to him and he is now able to have zoom visits on his own.”
Child Advocacy Specialist Pam Reece, Ed. D. adds, “Growing up in today’s world without a computer is a major disadvantage for students. Combine that with being a student in foster care and you have a double disadvantage. Providing foster children with access to information through computers helps level the playing field for them. Statistically, less than 20% of students in foster care have their own computer. The other 80% either don’t have any access to a computer outside of school or they share one with the others in the foster home. How do they get access to classwork or homework when they don’t have a computer or have to wait their turn? Having a computer can help foster children feel part of the outside world and connected to their peers. They feel more like their friends and feel like they fit in more. Connectedness is beneficial for students’ self-esteem as it brings them normalcy in an otherwise chaotic life.”