Monday mornings hold a special place for Roberta Barnes. Every week, Roberta sits at her computer, a refurbished desktop PC from give IT. get IT., to finalize and submit an article to a non-profit newspaper. Her deadline looms at 9:00 AM sharp. But this isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about Roberta’s journey of resilience and passion.
Roberta isn’t your typical writer. Despite limited mobility and a neurological disability, she volunteers her time as a writer for the local newspaper, where she contributes “feel-good” stories about what is happening in her midcoast Maine community. She writes about local charities, art shows, and events at historical societies, bridging gaps and bringing her community closer together.
It is a vital link for Roberta to her community and one that resonates with her mission to bring joy and healing to those around her. With a background in penning columns for newspapers, natural Reiki healing, (and self-publishing a children’s fantasy book in 2014), she thrives on storytelling and energetic work. Her love for covering events stems from her ability to contribute to causes close to her heart.
Roberta’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a person who has navigated the workforce with multiple disabilities, her income is often limited.
Her computer isn’t just a piece of technology; it’s a vital mode of communication and connection – and an ongoing channel of opportunity.
Through give IT. get IT., she found a lifeline.
“It takes trust to reach out, and the team at give IT. get IT. met me and were so helpful,” Roberta shares. “They understood clearly what kind of obstacles I had with a new IT system, including physical, financial, and technological, and how to help me overcome them.”
She goes on to state: “I worked with Steve at give IT. get IT. and he treated me with such dignity and respect. That means a lot to me, as It has been so important for me to get back to my life, walk again, and use my hands to work. I didn’t have a lot of money to get a new computer, so their team met me where I was. I am so glad because it has continued to help me in every part of my work life and it has been healing in mind, body, and spirit.”
For Roberta, the computer isn’t just a tool for submitting articles; it’s a gateway to endless possibilities. From crafting training manuals for her natural healing classes to managing her website and sending emails, every click of the keyboard signifies connection and empowerment.
Roberta’s expertise isn’t confined to writing alone. As a Master Herbalist, Reiki healer, and author, her home workshops attract students from across the country. Her computer is a vital tool in printing manuals for her Reiki students and managing outreach efforts.
“Students want to learn from a qualified Usui Reiki Shihan (Master Instructor/Teacher), and they will find me and my courses online. Without my website or newsletter – that outreach would be nearly impossible. In addition, it’s the initial point of communication with my students, as we email and stay up to date.”
For someone with disabilities like Roberta, having support services from a company like give IT. get IT. is invaluable. It’s not just about receiving a computer; it’s about receiving assistance tailored to her needs. Through their understanding and assistance, Roberta can navigate her daily challenges with greater ease and pursue her work and passions with confidence.
“I’ve had my desktop PC for a little over a year and I love it,” states Roberta. “I am so grateful for the support of give IT. get IT. in getting this system to me so that in turn, I can keep giving and reaching out positively to others.”
Join the 300 New England business leaders who support this effort with their surplus corporate tech. Contact us and help us convert your business tech into tools and opportunities for people! Please email Allen Cornwall, our Technology Reuse and Recycling Advocate at acornwall@giveitgetit.org or call him at 207-615-2956.
