Pubdate: Mon, 11 Feb 2002
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2002 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Adam Bell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

RECOVERING ADDICTS BUILD HIGH-TECH BRIDGE TO NEW LIFE

HICKORY - Less than two months out of prison, Ernest Norwood still 
can't believe his luck with computers.

He had been in and out of jail for 20 of his 36 years, mainly for 
burglary and breaking and entering, and had little in the way of job 
skills. Computers intimidated him.

But now, Norwood is on his way to becoming a certified computer 
technician thanks to Exodus Homes. The Hickory-based program provides 
transitional housing for recovering substance abusers.

Exodus Homes just launched an information technology apprenticeship 
program for its residents, a project that has the potential to be a 
national model, its organizers said.

"The Lord has blessed me with an opportunity," said Norwood, whose 
easy smile contradicted the word "Tuff" tattooed on his right arm. "I 
feel it's going to work out."

Only four groups in the nation received a grant for the 
apprenticeship program from the U.S. Department of Labor, said Susan 
Smith, the assistant executive director at Exodus Homes. And Exodus 
Homes is the only nonprofit group among the four.

The $73,000 federal grant, coupled with $10,000 from the Foundation 
for the Carolinas, allowed Exodus Homes to launch Exodus IT Services 
last month.

Exodus IT Services is the vocational training business run by Exodus 
Homes. The apprentices are paid employees of the two-year program and 
can stay in it as long as they remain Exodus Homes residents.

Smith hopes the residents stay on at Exodus IT after they complete 
the program to teach the next wave of apprentices.

Before they could take computers apart, however, some members of the 
program needed to learn how to type or turn on a computer. Six 
residents are training on computer repair, and a seventh is learning 
to be an office manager.

The Rev. Reggie Longcrier, executive director of Exodus Homes, said 
the program allows residents to improve themselves so they can earn a 
living wage while raising their self-esteem.

That's the case for Teresa Bowen, 39, who works as the office 
manager. After years of using alcohol and cocaine, she said, "I 
didn't think I'd ever be able to do something like this."

But Bowen wanted to change her life, and praised the program and the 
group's instructor, Dorrie Hasty.

The residents are all eager to learn, Hasty said, which makes her job easier.

By March 1, residents should be certified to handle basic repairs on 
individual computers. In another eight weeks, they will be certified 
to work on computer networks.

Exodus IT hopes the community will donate used computer equipment for 
its projects. That's what they use to practice on. Then they will 
donate refurbished computers to needy people in the area, Smith said.

And all of the Exodus Homes' 57 residents can take basic computer 
literacy classes at the project's offices on Second St. N.W. in 
Hickory. She said the program could prove to be an example of how to 
provide computer training to special populations such as the people 
in recovery at Exodus Homes.

Maybe Norwood can show them what to do.

"I never thought I'd get into a field like this," he said. "I'm not 
intimidated no more."
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MAP posted-by: Josh