Funding Shortage Continues To Threaten EmpowerTech

Los Angeles's Only Assistive Technology Center Serving Persons With Disabilities Could Be Forced to Close Without Additional Support

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 13, 2009 -- EmpowerTech, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that provides computer training to persons with physical and developmental disabilities, reported progress today in the first month of its emergency fundraising drive. However, the organization cautioned that, unless more funds are raised, it could be forced to close its doors, leaving the men, women and children living with disabilities who depend on EmpowerTech with no place to turn for instruction and support.

On June 12, EmpowerTech launched its "1,000 Empowering Moments" campaign in which it sought $100 donations from 1,000 individual donors. More than $15,000 has been raised in the first month of the appeal, but more support is desperately needed to save the one of a kind non-profit organization.

Joan Anderson, EmpowerTech Executive Director commented, "Words cannot express my gratitude to the many individuals who responded to our appeal during the initial weeks of the campaign. Their support has allowed us to continue to providing a unique, invaluable service to dozens of men, women and children with disabilities in Los Angeles. But we need more help. For only $100--27 cents a day--an individual donor to help us move a step closer to preserving this one of a kind community resource."

Through its T.R.A.D.E, Blind/Low Vision, pre-school, and Open Access programs, EmpowerTech provides computer training and assistive technology to anyone who needs it, from blind/low-vision adults to disabled children. For these members of our community, basic tasks that most people take for granted such as accessing and using the Internet, creating and reading documents, or simply learning and communicating through online and computer-based resources, hold the key to independence, and achieving educational and employment goals

Anderson stated, "I am encouraged by the breadth of support EmpowerTech has received to date. We are 15% of the way toward our goal in only four weeks, but it is absolutely critical that we maintain this momentum and continue to raise funds for our programs. For our students, we are their only option. If we fall short of our target, EmpowerTech will not be able to continue. The community needs us--but we need the community. I encourage everyone to do what they can to help."

To learn more about EmpowerTech and its success stories, please visit http:www.empowertech.org or call (310)-338-1597. To make a secure donation online, please visit: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/EmpowerTech/OnlineDonation.html.

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