Student Profile: Brandon Ferguson

Brandon Ferguson has been a member of Computer Mentors for the last two years. He originally was adjudicated to the youth program through the Juvenile Justice System. He was also enrolled in school at the Tampa Marine Institute (now known as AMIKids Tampa), a non-profit Hillsborough County alternative school. Since then Brandon could be called the “turnaround kid”. He is now enrolled at Tampa Bay Tech High School, a Hillsborough County magnet school, where he is working with teacher and CMG volunteer Gilbert “Jim” Truit to earn his A+ Certification. He has also earned his IC3 Certification and a college credit through Computer Mentors, and is currently a member of the Advanced Program. In the Advanced Program the youth are building and refurbishing computers to be given away by CMG.

Brandon has been faithfully attending CMG on a weekly basis. He has also recruited his brother Jaron Fleming, and they both attend the Tuesday night class. Brandon, who stands about 6’ 2” tall and weighs about 230lbs, has a legitimate aspiration of becoming a professional football player, but that is only “plan B” in his book. His plan is to become an entrepreneur and help people by fixing computers. He’s getting a lot of practice with CMG where he says “At first it was hard, figuring out how everything connected together, but now it’s easy.” We wish Brandon well in his future endeavors and are very proud to have watched him make his turnaround.

Volunteer Appreciation

Computer Mentors annual Appreciation Bash to honor and thank our supporters and staff who make CMG and all that we have accomplished over this and the past 13 years was held on March 4, 2010 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre http://www.tpepinshospitalitycentre.com/

We were thrilled to be gifted by TPepin’s community spirited donation of their facilities and refreshments. Although the amenities and space available were far beyond CMG’s needs for our group, TPepin’s flexibility allowed us to choose their cozy and charming “Trophy Room” for our event.

So, amongst the many trophies such as a 9’tall stuffed brown bear, a wall mounted moose’s head, misc. pictures and plaques, in a rustic knotty pine paneled room, our guests enjoyed playing pool, table shuffle-board, and watching video displays of “CMG’s highlights of 2009” on several monitors placed in our view.

Guests and Employees gather at the event.

As we munched on complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and our (over 21 years old) guests sampled Budweiser Beer,* provided through the generosity of TPepin.** We were able to thank all and to show our special appreciation to Marc Herbert, the Volunteer of the Year, and David Omlor, Board Member of the Year, and Christian Silva, Employee of Year ,as well as to all past & present volunteers, board members, supporters, clients, and employees. Because of you, we had another great year of providing service to the community. Computer Mentors Group has been blessed this year in many ways which would not have been possible without all of wonderful support from our community. Thanks to you all and to TPepin Hospitality Center of Tampa.

Computer Mentors Group Receives $25,000 Grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Erin Hinton of Bank of America Presents Check to CMG

The Computer Mentors Group Inc, (CMG) is pleased to announce the approval of a $25,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. A presentation will occur at the CMG Volunteer Appreciation event at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 4, 2010. The event is being held at the Pepin Hospitality Centre located at 4121 N. 50th Street in Tampa.

The grant is provided to benefit the agency’s youth training programs for 2010. Programs include the Youth Computer Certification & Ownership program for high school aged youth and the Pre-Certification Program for middle school aged youth. Combined, these programs will benefit over 100 youth in 2010 and will provide computers and the opportunity to earn college credits and job skills.

In addition to this grant, CMG received the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders award in 2008. The award focuses on creating increased capacity and sustainability in not-for-profit organizations and included a grant of $200,000 in unrestricted operating support and two years of leadership training program for the principals of CMG.

“Through their consistent support, Bank of America has become a true partner in our growth as an organization. When speaking of their commitment to helping create sustainable not for profit organizations, they really put their money where their mouth is. The combination of grant funding and the training we received through the Neighborhood Builders Program has helped to make us a better organization,” said Ralph Smith, Executive Director of Computer Mentors Group.

“Computer Mentors Group is offering at risk youth in our community the opportunity to gain technical and educational advancement. By collaborating, leveraging opportunities and using resources wisely, CMG proves you don’t have to be a big organization to deliver big impact in a community,” said, Bill Goede, Bank of America’s Tampa Bay Market President.

From The Director

Welcome New Board Members,
This year we are once again blessed to have the support of so many individuals who have adopted the mission of providing computers and training for those that live in communities with insufficient resources. No group epitomizes more that our Board of Directors which lead this organization. This year we have once again been able to strengthen our board with a group of unique individuals who do not mind providing their time for the welfare of others. We are proud that joining that group this year are Carla Jackson, City of Tampa Community Liaison, Karnardo Garnett, owner and founder of LegalJourney Law Group, Nancy Howe, Publisher for Maddux Business Report, and Richard Zach Director of Business Development at Ajilon Communication.

Karnardo Garnett

This year the Board of Directors has organized itself into a host of committees to help the organization achieve its purpose. Though the committees, collectively called the Advisory Board, are chaired by board members, other volunteers are invited to become can be members as well, which is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this organization and give back to the community. This year the committees include:

Nancy Howe, Richard Zach, Carla Jackson, L-R

Sincerely,

Email: rsmith@computermentors.org
Phone: (813) 236-1191