LCI Inc. | News

For Immediate Release
Monday, December 20, 2004

LCI Inc Receives $100,000 Grant
for Computer Training Center

SANFORD -- A center to help disabled job seekers develop computer skills will be opening soon at LCI Inc., thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust.

The Assistive Technology Training Center, scheduled to be opened early next year, is a collaborative effort between LCI, formerly known as Lee County Industries, and Central Carolina Community College.

Funding has been provided by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, a philanthropic organization based in Winston-Salem. The trust makes grants to support health-related programs across North Carolina and assist poor and needy residents in Forsyth County, where the group is based.

Tammy Koger, executive director of LCI, said the computer training center will be the only one of its kind in North Carolina and will help her organization enhance people's lives with success in the workplace.

"Our organization has served more than 150 people with disabilities over the past year alone, by providing training and job placement services," Koger said. "The grant will allow us to prepare them even better than before.

"By learning computer and other technological skills, they will be able to compete more effectively in the job market."

The college will help supply computer hardware and work with LCI officials to develop the curriculum and find qualified instructors.

Alice Gilchrist, dean of continuing education for Central Carolina Community College, said the new training center could do far more than help LCI participants learn computer skills. It could give many local residents a better chance at postsecondary education.

"We can help them understand what the college has to offer," Gilchrist said. "Some might want to enroll in college classes or take additional continuing education courses.

"We're still exploring what kind of classes they might be interested in taking, but they might include office work, medical coding or any of the other classes that require using computers."

Both Koger and Gilchrist believe the partnership will yield enormous and immediate benefits to everyone participating in the program. But what could be equally important, in the long run, is the partnership being formed to establish the center and any new programs that could follow.

"As we develop the center, we may determine other ways we can work together to improve people's lives," Gilchrist said. "This will be a tremendous opportunity for both of us."

Founded in 1967, LCI primarily serves residents of Lee, Chatham, Harnett and Moore counties. The nonprofit organization provides manufacturing assistance and trained employees for business and industry, helps people with disabilities enjoy their greatest possible independence, and produces a full range of trophies, awards and engraving.