About Us
Our Mission
To create new opportunities by providing personal computers and education to people who have limited experience with technology due to social, physical and/or economic circumstances.
History
1998: PCs for People was formed when Andy Elofson, a Blue Earth County social worker, arranged a donation for a local teen that was computerless. The computer was given by Blue Earth County to assist and foster this boy's exploration into his interest in computers. The boy had been expelled from school and was unsure where to turn. Six months after the donation the boy was creating a positive future for himself by developing web pages for a business in Mankato.
Several months after the first computer was donated by Blue Earth County, Andy was asked if he wanted another one. He thought, "Great, I can give it to someone else." Then two months later they asked if he wanted about 30 more. Andy recruited several tech savvy high school students from an alternative high school, started working out of an office at the government center in Mankato and PCs for People was born.
1999: After about 40-50 computers had been given out Andy started to make contacts with agencies about getting equipment to needy kids. Everyone was receptive and Andy had great sucess. PCs for People outgrew their office and moved into a recently uninhabited group home.
2000: PCs for People was added to the Minnesota state list for computer donations, we became a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher and entered into an agreement with MRCI (Mankato Rehabilitation Center, Inc.) that gave us 501(C)(3) status.
2001: Relationship/internship program developed with Minnesota State University - Mankato. PCs for People's website was developed.
2004: A new relationship developed with South Central College, in North Mankato. More students volunteered time to repair computers and to serve the community. 275 computers were given out this year.
2006: Over 1,000 computers have been distributed since 1998.
2008: After ten successful years in Mankato, PCs for People has expanded its program impact by developing a new office in St. Paul, MN. This will allow contact with a larger, more socially and economically diverse population base as well as expand availability for grants and donations.
April, 16th 2008: PCs for People incorporated with the Minnesota Secretary of State and is approved for tax exempt status with the IRS.
July, 1st 2008: PCs for People's application for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status was approved by the IRS.
August, 1st 2008: PCs for People's gives out their first computer from the Twin Cities location.
November, 1st 2008: Expansion goals have been greatly exceeded by distributing over 300 computers in the first three months in St. Paul.
January 2009: Approved for Minnesota State Surplus computers.
February 2009: A new partnership with the Employment Action Center has been developed. PCs for People will be utilized as a Transitional Work Center providing temporary employment and training for individuals transitioning off Government benefits and seeking full-time employment. Participants are able to learn real-world job skills while preparing themselves for new careers in technology and office administration fields.
2009 Review: More than 2,000 computers distributed to low income families! 440 hours of phone support provided to computer recipients. Over 100 tons of computer equipment reused.
March 2010: A new partnership with Ramsey County, the Changing Lives Program, has been developed. Similar to our partnership with EAC, temporary employment and training will be provided for at risk Ramsey County residents.