Look around, everyone you see is tapping on a smart phone, checking Facebook, posting pictures on Instagram, answering emails, composing documents or looking for new employment and business opportunities. The phenomenon that is the smartphone, tablet or computer is everywhere. Or is it?
To many in our underserved communities using a computer, connecting with friends and relatives on Facebook or finding information online is out of reach. Disabled individuals, seniors and those living on the poverty line may not have access to technology that most take for granted. Enter a company that aims to put that right – The Gadget Guys Foundation (GGF).
Founded by the former executive director of San Diego based non-profit Canvass for a Cause Tres Watson and LGBT and autism community activist Christina MacNeal, GGF is a national organization whose mission is to use technology resources, training, programs and education to help undeserved communities gain social mobility and empowerment. GGF is headquartered in San Diego and is a federally recognized 501c (3) public charity.
San Diego LGBT Weekly caught up with Watson and MacNeal to find out a bit more about their latest venture.
San Diego LGBT Weekly: How did The Gadget Guys get started?
Tres: The concept of the Gadget Guys echoes that of our sister company, Consider it Done and that is to help people. Consider it Done offers technology access and support on a fee-paying basis. However, within underserved communities access to technology is often hampered by the inability to pay. This is where the Gadget Guys Foundation steps in to break down the socio-economic barrier to accessing today’s technology by providing these services to those communities at no charge.
Tell us a bit about the markets you serve?
Tres: We target four sectors that we believe will benefit the most from accessing and learning about technology. They are underserved seniors, veterans in need particularly those who have just come home from war, differently-abled people such as those on the autism spectrum and those who are physically disabled and families who have fallen below the poverty line.
What programs and services does the Foundation offer?
Christina: We offer a wide variety of custom tailored programs and services all of which are based on the specific needs of the individuals that we serve. Our programs are built and designed to set our clients up for success and to give them the tools they need to have a better quality of life and to provide opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. We create a well-rounded curriculum that serves as a vehicle to get an individual to where they would like to go in life through technology. One example would be an individual who has autism, or who is physically disabled who would like to learn how to start an online business. We would put together a plan that is specific to that individual. They would learn how to build their own Web site and properly manage it and market it and the Foundation would provide them with the training and skill sets needed to accomplish their goals.
Another example would be a struggling family who needs a computer and Internet access to help their children keep up with their peers and complete homework assignments. Or the veteran who needs assistance transitioning from military life to civilian life and not only requires the technology to do so, but also requires the skills needed for job readiness. Those are just a few examples of what our programs provide and the services that we offer.
How much does it cost clients to access these programs?
Tres: It costs nothing as we are a foundation. Our funding comes through grants, donations and the general public.
How can the LGBT community benefit from GGF?
Christina: Well, as you can see from the testimonials, the LGBT community is already benefiting from our services. Both Tres and myself, being part of our vibrant San Diego LGBT community, are dedicated to not only assisting LGBT individuals who need our programs and services but also our LGBT community institutions.
If a business, organization or an individual wants to get involved with GGF what can they do?
Tres: Just call me! With many businesses we have found that they really have stepped up to help and are glad to be affiliated with an organization that is doing good in the community; they also get the benefit of exposure on our Web site.
Let me add that we are always looking for volunteers as we have tons of work to do and not enough people to do it, so if someone wants to get involved with the cause they can also shoot us an email and we can put their time to good use!
To learn more about how The Gadget Guys Foundation could help you or if you would like to donate, or give equipment and services please call (619) 663-7316 or christina@gadgetguys.org visit www.gadgetguys.org.
The Gadget Guys are dedicated to assisting individuals and institutions throughout the LGBT and other communities:
“Lambda Archives appreciates the work Gadget Guys does for the community. It is great for a small nonprofit to be able to call on them for assistance with little IT tasks including updating software and they are going to get all of the information off the hard drives of old computers going back for years–some of which belonged to the Gay and Lesbian Times.”
Walter Meyer, manager, Lambda Archives
“The Hillcrest Town Council is so grateful that the Gadget Guys stepped up to help us make important audio/visual upgrades to the Joyce Beers Community Center. We didn’t know what equipment to purchase or how we were going to pay for installation. The Gadget Guys knew exactly what we needed, how to install it, and offered to do so for free. Not only did they save us a lot of time and grief, but also provided a valuable service to the Hillcrest community. We can’t thank them enough.”
Rich Grousset, Hillcrest Town Council
“The Gadget Guys has left a digital foot print for the club that has moved us into the current times, we are beyond very grateful. You guys have come in and rescued us and I am so excited to see the club return to its glory days through the technology that has been implemented and that has been provided to us.”
Ed Board, Treasurer of The Bankers Hill Social Club Formerly known as The San Diego Indoor
“As someone with autism technology drives my life and it is how I connect with the world around me. Without it I would feel disconnected and without a way to express myself and an outlet. It also is the way I communicate with my peers, family and friends. The programs the Gadget Guys offer for those with autism is invaluable.”
Megan, San Diego
“The Gadget Guys taught me how to use and connect with technology and to not be afraid of it.”
Bernard, senior, San Diego
“I have lived through the craftsmanship and care I put into the work I do. When I was hit with psoriatic arthritis, I was afraid I would lose my dream of restoring my vintage yacht. But my friends stepped in and became my hands, my back – they have been amazing. The Gadget Guys were one of those friends installing Apple TV on my yacht for all my future customers to enjoy.”
Tim Holmberg, disabled veteran, San Diego
This is fantastic!! What a great effort! Anthony Gioffre
Great story. Thank you Tres and Christina your help. Also thanks to Rich Grousset for your leadership in moving this effort forward during the last year.
Luke Terpstra
Chair,
Hillcrest Town Council