“All of the equipment was refurbished and will be maintained by our students in the Chicago Tech A+ Academy,” explained Peter. “We’re so excited about this opportunity to be involved with Fisher House.”
Betty Stamitis, president of Friends of Fisher House-Illinois, was overwhelmed. “Computers were on our wish list, but never in our wildest dreams did we think we’d get so many—enough for every private suite. We were so surprised, shocked really,” she said. “It’s offers like this that make all of our hard work, all of our fundraising programs worthwhile and gratifying.”
Fisher House VA Hines will provide free housing for families of veterans who are hospitalized there. They will begin housing families in February, and plan a grand opening in May.
The house, fully furnished and equipped for use, is valued at $5.7 million – totally built from donations, both financial and in-kind. Friends of Fisher House-Illinois did it all, from initiating the idea to fundraising and all of the administrative detail.
The common area includes a living room, dining area, kitchen, playroom and laundry. The house is being equipped with everything a family needs, supplied through partnerships with businesses and foundations. Blue Star Mothers supplied toys and books for children.
“Our Fisher House is absolutely magnificent. We have spared no expense; there are three huge side-by-side refrigerators and two freezers that will be stocked with food all the time. Restaurants will supply some meals, especially when a family first arrives,” explained Betty.
“When corporations and people understand the need and how it will help families with veterans who’ve heeded the call and made the sacrifice, who’ve come back with injuries, some of them very serious, they join us in doing as much as they can.”
This is the 43rd Fisher House built since this initiative started in 1990. Holly Wright, Fisher House manager, is the only paid staff person. Volunteers are doing all of the other work.
The Hines VA Hospital is not just for
Peter connected to Fisher House through his relationship with the Keeling Family
Foundation. Peter has known Marvin Keeling for many years. In establishing his refurbishing and reuse computer classes, and his vision for growth, Peter tapped Marvin for help in accepting donations of computer equipment and funds. He knows, as he moves forward, that tracking and receipts for donations from a bona fide nonprofit will be important.
Right now the Keeling Family Foundation is employing the Chicago Techs A+ Academy graduate who is teaching computer refurbishing and repair at the faith-based vocational training center on
Marvin Keeling caught the vision from Peter. Already the Foundation is promoting the Computer Reuse Program and the initiative to develop more computer refurbishing training centers. He believes that, once in full operation, each center will have as many as 20 full-time student employees who will “earn while they learn.” Some will stay on and join the staff; others will join corporations or establish their own businesses.
These training centers will function in a similar way to Peter’s Chicago Techs A+ Academy in Warrenville, taking in old equipment, refurbishing and donating to nonprofits, people with disabilities, and others in need. In addition, they will offer computer repair service for residents.
As more corporations and residents realize they can no longer dump electronics into the waste stream, they will welcome opportunities to donate to these training centers.
The Keeling Family Foundation, founded by Marvin in 1985, has a history of supporting worthwhile projects, such as the
“Our foundation is unique,” explained Marvin. “We’ve been in existence for 23 years, and no money has been taken out ever for salaries or fees of any kind. All 100 percent of the money we raise goes to charities. We’ve been so blessed.”
“Monies for the rehab/reuse program will be segregated out. We expect this program to stand on its own,” he added. “We’re formulating fundraising plans right now.”
There’s more. Look for Part 3 in the next issue to learn about more of Peter’s partnerships that will benefit veterans. If you are ready to toss old computer equipment, or if you are unemployed and would like to learn a new trade, contact Peter by email at service!@chi-techs.com or call him at 630-549-3025.
