Unlimited potential is often applied to scholars, athletes, up-and-coming business executives even to inanimate objects such as healing drugs, or scientific discoveries. But, last Wednesday morning it took on new meaning.
That was when Microsoft Corporation made a $112,000 donation to the Laurie Mitchell Employment Center to further its mission of aiding "disadvantaged members of society, including — but not limited to — mental health consumers, in their pursuit for meaningful and gainful employment, as well as basic computer skills."
Presented under the "Microsoft Unlimited Potential" program, the grant consists of $30,000 in cash and the remainder in computer software that will enhance the center's capabilities in training its students for the technology world, according to Raymond L. Bridge, center president.
"With this grant we will be able to start daytime training to prepare our students for the modern workplace. We have old computers. So being able to install this new software will be a big plus for us," Bridge said.
MAKING THAT POSSIBLE, during ceremonies at the center's offices, 6295 Edsall Road, Alexandria, was Michael Clark, district manager, Mid Atlantic District, Microsoft, Corporation. "Microsoft is proud to partner with Laurie Mitchell Employment Center to provide the tools to help their clients unlock their potential and transform their lives," he said.
"Through the innovative programs offered by the center, and the ones now being introduced, it works tirelessly to help this valued segment of the community more fully realize their potential. Giving the resources is the easy part, but working hands-on to help people harness the power of technology is where the real magic occurs. We feel privileged to be part of these efforts," Clark said.
He was joined in that praise of the center's mission by Fairfax County Mason District Supervisor Penelope A. "Penny" Gross. "You can measure society by how it treats its neediest people. Fairfax County has made a commitment to help those people," she said.
Laurie Mitchell Employment Center operates two facilities. One at the Edsall Road site and a second at 8794-S Sacramento Drive on Richmond Highway. Both are drop-in center begun in 1995 providing training to students from throughout Northern Virginia.
"We are able to do a lot in Fairfax County because of the partnerships we have established with groups and organizations such as this center. We have the support of the community and we all have unlimited potential. We need to build on that," Gross said.
Cynthia Evans, the center's program director, said, "We are consumer run. It was envisioned as a center for people to come to without any pre-qualification. They only had to walk in the front door. What our students have in common are their dreams and hopes."
ALTHOUGH UNABLE to attend, James S. Reinhard, commissioner, Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, in a letter to Bridge, commended the center for offering "computer training, employment help and peer support to thousands of people with mental illness and other disabilities."
He said, "Through partnerships, such as the program with Microsoft, the center has developed innovative approaches to educating and assisting students. This dedication truly exemplifies our shared vision of a consumer driven system of services and supports ...."
In operation for 10 years, the center supports a staff of two full-time employees and nine part-time instructors, according to Bridge. "With the two centers we serve approximately 400 students a year. We have nearly 100 active job seekers presently and have recently placed more than 50 people," Bridge said.
The center gets its funding from the state, Fairfax County, and several communities throughout the region, according to Bridge. They originally started with 12 students signed up for the 12 week course. Ten of those graduated and went on to successful employment, Bridge said.
Microsoft's grant has enabled the center to offer several new, in-depth courses that foster basic computer skills, "in order to increase the technological, social and job skills needed for competitive employment or educational opportunities." It has also provided for the students to acquire "a variety of Microsoft certifications."
Complementing their computer training, each center offers:
* Evening and weekend hours as well as daytime training;
* Peer support and networking;
* One-on-one consultants;
* Employment workshops; and
* Job leads.
More information can be obtained by calling 703-461-3906.