Introduction from New York Cares

[Corey Newhouse]

Hey all!!

We are writing from New York Cares, a non-profit organization founded in
1987 that mobilizes more than 2,000 volunteers each month to serve on
flexibly scheduled, team based projects that are coordinated with our
Project Partners-- schools, social service agencies, and nonprofit
organizations-- that directly serve New York City's neediest residents.

We (Hilary and Corey) are Program Managers in the Education and
Technology Partnerships department of New York Cares, responsible for
coordinating volunteer projects ranging from weekly literacy tutorials
to web page design courses for community members.

Our technology service area, the Partners In Technology Program (PITP),
sends skilled volunteers to more than 45 nonprofit organizations and
schools in New York City.  Volunteers work with agency staff to them
gain access to computer technology, learn how to use technology
effectively to meet organizational goals, and help their clients and
students get prepared for the changing marketplace.  These volunteers
provide invaluable services to our partners free of charge, and have
made great strides in helping schools and nonprofits integrate
technology use into their daily lives ? and into the lives of their
students and clients.

Our literacy service area, The Road to Reading, is a one-year old
initiative that provides opportunities for volunteers to make a
difference in the lives of our city’s children by introducing them to
the joys of reading.  Currently, we work with about 15 schools and
nonprofits to bring enhanced reading opportunities to their children
through weekly and monthly programs.  A full-time staff member has
recently been assigned to manage and expand the Road to Reading, and we
expect to grow by leaps and bounds in the coming school year.

As we move forward with the exciting task of expanding and enhancing our
programming in these service areas, we want to learn more about: program
models that integrate technology and literacy; ways to bring families
together to read and improve their computer skills; and best practices
for recruiting and keeping dedicated volunteers.

We look forward to learning from everyone!

Hilary
Zacroff
Corey Newhouse
Senior Manager, Technology
Programs                                                 Manager,
Literacy Programs

(For more information on our organization, visit our web site at
www.nycares.org)

<p>
--
New York Cares Day 2000 is coming Saturday, October 14!
We are actively looking for Team Leaders and Site Captains to help pull
off the day.   If you are interested or want more information email
kim_west at nycares.org

Corey Newhouse
Literacy Program Manager
New York Cares, Inc. (http://www.nycares.org)
116 East 16th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Phone (212) 228-5000
Fax (212) 228-6414