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." - --- MAP posted-by: Josh