The http://www.gcpcug.org/cap.htm CAP program continues to bring technology to those who can most benefit from it's enabling power. Our mission is to improve the quality of people's lives using technology. We focus on those parts of society that may not have all the benefits and opportunities that some of us enjoy. In 1999 we refurbished and donated dozens of computers to the County Board of Mental Retardation. We have about 40MB of software (shareware or our own) that has been educational and fun for the clients and we install this on the machines. We work with the Board to help the clients use the systems. One man operates the PC with his feet.

We also set up a boilerplate computer lab that we are setting up in numerous inner city community centers and churches. We have had great cooperation from the parents and community leaders to build these labs and provide places for people in the community to learn about computers, acquire job skills and have fun in a safe environment. We have worked with the local ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) group and the Multiple Sclerosis Society to bring computer technology to victims of these diseases. Shut-ins can have their entire lives changed via a PC and a free Internet connection that opens up the world for them. Another focus has been our work with battered women's shelters and homeless children shelters. We have been setting up systems and training the residents. They love it and are learning employable skills. This year we have tried to expand our training aspect of the program. We realize that in most cases, just giving someone a PC is not enough. Training is resource intensive but our volunteers are stepping up to take on the task.