Comp-U-Dopt Steps Up for Families Impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Houston-based agency reaches milestone of 10,000 computers donated to underserved families, with latest benefiting storm victims
HOUSTON, Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its founding in 2007, Comp-U-Dopt has made a significant impact in the Houston area, touching literally thousands of lives by providing technology access and education to underserved youth. On Sept. 29, the agency will distribute its 10,000th refurbished computer. The donation is one of 1,000-plus computers earmarked for storm victims through partnerships with Motiva Enterprises and KIPP Houston Public Schools.
The donation is part of a larger effort to support the regional relief initiative. Soon after Hurricane Harvey drove residents from their homes, Comp-U-Dopt set up 200 computers at seven stations at the George R. Brown and NRG Center shelters. In addition, over 100 staff members and volunteers have provided computer assistance at the centers, helping impacted persons complete FEMA applications, connect with loved ones, search for hotels and transport, and have a moment of normalcy.
"We were serving approximately 3,500 individuals each day during the first week of the crisis," said Megan Steckly, Executive Director of Comp-U-Dopt. "Many people told us that the computers and technical support helped them transition out of the shelters and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. While our work at the shelters is continuing, we're now turning our focus to area families impacted by flooding. We thank our volunteers and our corporate and nonprofit partners for stepping up during this challenging time."
Comp-U-Dopt recently received more than 1,500 computers from Motiva Enterprises, 500 of which will be distributed this fall to families impacted by the flooding. "Motiva is proud to contribute our supply of used laptop computers to help students and families in Southeast Texas recover from the impacts of Hurricane Harvey," said Ed Haloulos, Vice President of Human Resources for Motiva. "We have a long-term stake in the success of this region, and we share Comp-U-Dopt's view that technology increases students' educational success and creates expanded career opportunities for young people as they graduate."
The computers will be distributed through a partnership with KIPP Houston, a network of 28 free public charter schools in Houston, which has identified students and families impacted by the storm. In addition to a free, refurbished computer, each family will receive 90 minutes of technical training and two years of no-cost technical support from Comp-U-Dopt.
Comp-U-Dopt is also planning to distribute additional computers to impacted families in the spring as community members begin to settle into more stable living situations. In total, Comp-U-Dopt anticipates distributing 1,000 computers in addition to its regular programs, which serve approximately 2,000 young people per year.
Media photo/interview opportunity: Join Comp-U-Dopt and Motiva officials at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, at KIPP Houston's North Campus, 500 Tidwell Road, as computers are presented to families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
About Comp-U-Dopt
Comp-U-Dopt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to provide technology access and education to underserved youth. Each year they serve 2,000-plus young people from economically disadvantaged families across 9,600 square miles and more than 10 independent school districts providing computers and science, technology, engineering, arts and math education and training. www.compudopt.org
About Motiva
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Motiva refines, distributes and markets petroleum products throughout the United States. Motiva owns and operates North America's largest refinery in Port Arthur, Texas with a crude capacity of more than 600,000 barrels a day. The company also operates the country's largest lubricant plant for both consumer and commercial use. Under exclusive, long-term brand licenses with Shell and Phillips 66 (for the 76® Brand), Motiva's marketing operations support more than 5,200 retail gasoline stations. Motiva is wholly-owned by affiliates of Saudi Aramco. www.motiva.com
About KIPP Houston
KIPP was founded in Houston in 1994 and has since grown to 209 public charter schools in 20 states and D.C. educating 88,000 children. Houston is KIPP's largest region and educates 14,500 students in 28 schools and serves an additional 2,300 alumni in college and beyond. While only 10.6 percent of students from low-income communities in Houston graduate from college, 50 percent of KIPPsters, tracked from the 8th grade, graduate college. www.kipphouston.org
Media contacts:
Megan Steckly
Comp-U-Dopt Executive Director
713-426-2330 x 1354
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SOURCE Comp-U-Dopt Inc.
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