Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

Computers for Consumer Office Training

NAMI Beaufort County helps people with severe and persistent mental illnesses and their families. As part of our Support and Recovery Program, our Employment Coach works with consumers (people who have a mental illness), helping them with their resumes and job training, and connecting them with appropriate employment opportunities. Many consumers cannot afford a computer and have limited computer skills. We would like to begin training classes to better prepare these program participants for the jobs that are available in our area. We need two computers to be used for the training. These computers would also be used by the consumers in their job search.

Why this connection makes a difference:
People with mental illness have limited options. They often spend their days in maintenance mode, waiting for the time to pass. Our Support and Recovery Program, which includes our Employment Coach, a dedicated manager from Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center, and supportive employers in the area, has had over 50 participants this year. We began as primarily an employment service, and over the year we've become more than that. We have developed support groups and volunteering opportunities, and are a supportive and encouraging community of people dedicated to their recovery from their illnesses. Many of our consumers have requested computer training, since so many of the jobs available require some level of computer proficiency. With this computer training, we would be able to connect people with mental illness with appropriate jobs, or help them investigate other employment opportunities. These computers would take someone from the isolation of their apartment and out into the community, where they would be able to pursue their recovery, their dignity, and their independence.

Cost: $1,000 Total($500 per computer)

Organization Details

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Beaufort County

Year Founded: 1991

Counties Served: Beaufort

Primary Contact:
Susan Hughson
NAMI@hargray.com
843-681-2200

20 Palmetto Parkway
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926