Computer Ministry

COMPUTER MINISTRY

The mission of the Computer Ministry is to provide rebuilt personal computers, documentation and training in basic computer skills to selected charitable organizations in the Kansas City area, and to follow the vision of Village Presbyterian Church.

The Computer ministry was established in 2001 on a foundation of friendship and relationships. The ministry has developed partnerships with the Front Porch Alliance, Baptist Seminary, Grandview Park Presbyterian, Operation Breakthrough and other church ministries in the community.

COMPUTER MINISTRY CLASSES

Intermediate Computer Class

The Intermediate Computer Class allows students with basic knowledge of computers to improve their skills in Microsoft Word, the internet and email. With the assistance of teachers and teacher assistants (chimes), students will explore topics including: inserting pictures into documents, using margins, indents, and tabs, using the Help feature in Microsoft Word, using the Internet to locate specific information, using folders and address books to organize email. Completion of the Very Basic Computer Class is recommended but not required. These classes are free. Child care is not available.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Computer Ministry is comprised of an all-volunteer staff from various church congregations. Computer Ministry members perform many varied tasks to fulfill the group’s mission. Each volunteer may choose tasks that best suit his or her interests and abilities. Some team members analyze donated PCs and test components to determine how to best utilize the equipment. Usable components are combined to build working computers for the ministry’s strategic partners (charitable or educational institutions.) The team then carries out a prescribed process for each computer. Others work on research and development of software and hardware solutions to implement ministry plans, and others provide technical support for ministry operations and for partners. This support can include networking, wiring, setup and maintenance of systems. Education and documentation team members are dedicated to teaching basic computer skills to those in need. Teachers and teaching assistants ("chimes" ) help students gain user skills in Very Basic Computer Classes designed for beginners. This team is also responsible for documentation of the Computer Ministry’s process and procedures.

Team members remove all private data from every PC donated to the ministry. The computer’s operating system is then reconfigured as appropriate for its intended application, and new software is installed. It then goes to "quality assurance" for a final check, and backup.

Volunteers and teachers are needed for the teams. Computer Ministry orientation sessions are held periodically for new volunteers at the Outreach Center, 99th & Mission Road. To join, contact Marianne Weber 913-671-2333.

How You Can Help

We accept donations of computers with some guidelines.
Repair, refurbish and develop computer offerings for those in need.
Teach and deliver this offering to qualified candidates.

Specifications for Donations

Personal computers only with Pentium IV or newer processors.
Note:Apple or Macintosh models cannot be accepted.

Also needed:
Working monitors at least 17 inch SVGA type, or LCD type
Keyboard and mouse
Power cables
Software-Windows XP or later operating system
Original operating system and upgrade program disks, certificates of authenticity and user manuals
CD-ROM, CD Writer and DVD Writer drives
Printers (laser-type only, please)

Individual computer donations may be dropped off from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at Village Computer Ministry, co-located with the Food Pantry at 99th and Mission Road. Persons or organizations wishing to contribute multiple PCs should call 913-671-2333 to make an appointment.

Work Sessions

PC Rebuilding Work Session (Ministry Staff)
7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Meneilly Center for Mission, 99th and Mission Rd.