Arkansas Center's New Grant Turns Wish List into Shopping List

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Texarkana, AR—Susan Edwards wears many hats at the Smith-Keys Computer Learning Center. She is the center director, services coordinator, Webmaster, monthly and annual event coordinator, teacher of basic computer skills, conductor of adult programs and afterschool youth programs, record keeper, job search assistant, public relations specialist, annual Christmas and back-to-school party coordinator, seminar manager, and technology troubleshooter. On April 2, 2009, Edwards added a new title to her list: hero grantwriter. A title she earned after receiving a $10,000 equipment grant from the Jenny Jones Foundation's Jenny's Heroes.

All You Need Is a Dream

When Edwards attended a three-hour grantwriting workshop on March 17, she refreshed her grantwriting skills and also received a list of possible grantmakers. One of the organizations on the list was Jenny's Heroes. Established by former daytime talk-show host Jenny Jones, Jenny's Heroes awards grants of up to $25,000 to everyday citizens with a personal desire to improve their community. Recipients do not receive actual dollars from Jenny's Heroes. Instead, the organization purchases the items requested by grant applicants up to the grant amount awarded and then sends the items to the grant recipient.

Inspired by the words on the Jenny's Heroes Web site, "All you need is a dream. I can make it come true," Edwards decided to apply. On Thursday March 19, just two days after completing the grantwriting workshop, Edwards sent an initial e-mail to Jenny's Heroes outlining her desire for $10,000 to acquire new computers, software, and the necessary equipment to establish a wireless network that would help to provide free classes to hundreds of residents and community members. To Edwards' surprise, she heard from a Jenny's Heroes representative the next day.

"A representative from Jenny's Heroes e-mailed me an application and invited me to apply for a grant," stated Edwards. "I completed the application, which included a description of what the Smith-Keys Computer Learning Center does and my project wish list of eight new computers, nine teaching software programs, a digital laser copier/printer/scanner, and wireless networking equipment. I e-mailed the application back to them on Wednesday, March 25. Then, I waited to hear from them."

In addition to a project wish list, the Jenny's Heroes program application also requested that Edwards provide the names and addresses of local newspapers, television stations, and business associates of the applicant. Edwards provided this information, as well as key contact information, which included Hershel Robinson, property manager of the Smith-Keys Village Apartments; Gail Henderson, assistant property manager; and Kris Collier, office assistant. Edwards had no idea that the foundation was planning to use this information to deliver what Edwards describes as "the surprise of a lifetime."

Susan Edwards, center director of the Smith-Keys Computer Learning Center in Texarkana, Arkansas, applied for and was awarded a $10,000 equipment grant from the Jenny Jones Foundation's Jenny's Heroes.

A Surprise Call from a Celebrity

Jenny Jones contacted Robinson to inform him that Edwards' application had been accepted, and that the center would receive $10,000 in computers, printers, and wireless technology. Robinson, in turn, enlisted the help of Henderson and Collier to set the stage for a surprise award announcement. On April 2, Robinson took Edwards to lunch while Henderson and Collier worked with a reporter and photographer from the Texarkana Gazette who were sent by Jones to record the moment. When Robinson and Edwards returned from lunch, he invited her to his office where she received a surprise call from Jones informing her of the grant award.

"It was the best day of my 10 years here," exclaimed Edwards. "I took the phone, and it was Jenny Jones on the line telling me that I was now one of 'Jenny's Heroes' and that my wish list was now a shopping list. It was incredible to receive a grant that big and get equipment that works properly. And, it all happened so quickly."

Immediately after the call ended, Edwards was interviewed by the Texarkana Gazette reporter. Her touching story was featured on a local television news station later that evening, and the newspaper story ran the following day. Edwards' story and how the Smith-Keys Computer Learning Center is using the equipment purchased by Jenny's Heroes is also featured on the foundation's Web site in the "Meet Our Heroes" section.

Gail Henderson, assistant property manager, and Kris Collier, office assistant, helped set the stage for a surprise award announcement.

A Very Special Delivery Arrives

Jenny's Heroes purchased nine new computers and the equipment to establish a wireless network, including routers and wireless network interface cards. New Microsoft Office software and a multipurpose printer/copier/scanner were also purchased for the center.

"Half of our computers were delivered on April 16, and the other half on April 21," reported Edwards. "Two volunteers, Ric Seale and Chris O'Rourke, are helping us to disconnect the old computers, connect the new ones, and set up the wireless network."

Volunteers Ric Seale and Chris O'Rourke helped disconnect the old computers, connect the new ones, and set up the wireless network.

Sharing Their Good Fortune with Others

Edwards intends to share her good fortune with the residents of the Smith-Keys Village Apartments. During Neighborhood Networks Week, August 3-9, 2009, the center will sponsor a computer giveaway contest, and award three of the previous center computers to adult residents and three to children ages 6 to 17. To be eligible for the giveaway, adults must be leased residents and attend 30 hours of computer classes, including keyboarding and Microsoft Word. The children must participate in 30 hours of grammar and math learning sessions. Then, the names of eligible residents will be placed in a drawing and announced on August 5 during a grand re-opening ceremony and open house that will showcase the new computers.

"In 2004, we received a $2,500 Community Development Block Grant that increased our center's capacity from six to 12 computers and allowed us to purchase some furniture and additional equipment, such as a digital camera," explained Edwards. "In 2007, we received three $500 grants for new computers. But, the grant from Jenny's Heroes tops them all. We still have $2,500 worth of purchases left from the Jenny's Heroes grant. I am thinking of ordering headphones for the computers. That way, two children can use the computer at a time for their computer and online learning classes."

For more information about Neighborhood Networks centers in Arkansas, contact:

Anita Y. Morris
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Little Rock Multifamily Program Center
425 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Little Rock, AR 72201-3488
(501) 324-5931 x3438

For more information about the Smith-Keys Computer Learning Center, contact:

Susan Edwards
Center Director
Smith-Keys Computer Learning Center
3302 Washington Street
Texarkana, AR 71854
(870) 773-5847