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Grant helps people in substance abuse recovery with computer training

Posted at 5:33 PM, Jan 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-24 18:33:10-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City is working to make sure everyone is computer literate. A local nonprofit is trying to bridge that digital gap while also helping people recover from substance abuse.

Footprintsislocated at the Wayne D. White Recovery Center in Kansas City, which helps people who are in recovery, take the right steps.

“We help you develop a life plan,” Board President, Faye Johnson-Kendrick said. “How do you really want to live? Well, these are the steps that it will take well we know that technology has to be included in that and so this is the first place where you can get introduced to this whole computer world that's non-threatening.”

The organization recently received a grant from the Kansas City Digital Inclusion Fund, which will help reach out and expand their efforts to teach basic computer skills.

“Everything's on the computer, you just have to you really have to get the info and the skills to get started because doing your resume, looking for jobs, all that's on the computer,” Computer teacher, Stephanie Greer said. “I've seen a lot of people come in and do the resumes and do different things on the computer, shop for jobs.”

Even something such as learning basic computer skills can help those in recovery direct their steps in the right direction.

“I've been in recovery 27 years,” Greer said. “It's very important especially if a person is getting back into the real life.”

Recovering herself, Greer said seeing the outcome of people learning and succeeding is rewarding.

“It's really seeing a person start out and then seeing a person finish a section and then maybe get a job because a lot of times people don't know where to go,” she said.

Bridging the digital divide, assessments are also given to participants to create personalized lesson plans to become more digital savvy.

Footprints is located at 4501 Troost Ave. and the free computer program is open to anyone between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.