Yvonne David of Johns Creek is helping to close the digital gap for those behind in technology. She founded a nonprofit — The Pippin Project — to give away refurbished computers and other technology to those who can’t afford it.
As a mom and businessperson in one of the metro’s most affluent areas, David is tackling the inequality that also exists in well-to-do communities.
During the early days of the pandemic, the David family was sequestered at home with both parents and two teenage sons working on laptops. David questioned whether every home had a personal computer for each family member.
“We realized how dependent we are on technology, but also realized it was not the same for everybody. Not everybody has availability,” said David. “Here, the kids get a device from school, and when they leave in May they give it back, and they’re on their own.”
And if students don’t have their own computer, they are at a disadvantage, she added.
David set out to change what she could and started at her sons’ school, Chattahoochee High. She called the school counselor, then called other high schools in the area, and realized the lack of personal computers was a big problem.
Since 2021, The Pippin Project has given refurbished laptops to Chattahoochee High and Decatur High School seniors when school ends in May. It doesn’t matter whether students leave with or without a diploma or what they plan to do afterward. If the computer quits working, David promises to repair or replace it.
Partnering with electronics recycling companies like eCloud Recycle in Doraville, The Pippin Project can purchase technology inexpensively.
David collects old computers by asking businesses for the outdated models they want to get rid of. The recycling companies refurbish the computers and sell them back to The Pippin Project at a discount so they can be given away.
Credit: Phil Skinner
Credit: Phil Skinner
When school ended in May, 21 Chattahoochee seniors were given personal computer from The Pippin Project said school counselor Deborah L. Blount.
“We’re very very grateful for The Pippin Project,” Blount said. “Every year the number of laptops we need from them has increased, and they’ve come through every single year. When you’re already in a financial bind as a family, having that one weight lifted off the shoulders can make a difference.”
The Pippin Project also gives the technology to clients with the Georgia Innocence Project and the Georgia Justice Project. Both nonprofits help prisoners make new lives for themselves once they get out.
The Georgia Innocence Project also helps free and exonerate people behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit, David said those whose records have been cleared still face obstacles when reentering the workplace. Providing a good computer is step one.
“When we started the nonprofit, we decided we’re going to the high schools, and we’re going to help those coming out of the prison system and entering the workforce,” David said.
The nonprofit also helps Braille transcribers living in transition homes after being incarcerated.
After receiving training while incarcerated, transcribers are offered a job with Georgia Tech when they come out of prison, but they need their own equipment. The Pippin Project provides a refurbished heavy-duty desk computer and large monitor.
“This is another gap we heard about that we can step into,” David said.
The nonprofit has provided technology for a children’s home in Illinois and established IT labs at two middle schools in Ghana, giving them desktop computers, printers and interactive whiteboards.
Credit: Phil Skinner
Credit: Phil Skinner
Even with all the technology giveaways, David realized The Pippin Project could do more.
A native of the Netherlands, David has lived in several countries and worked independently as a business coach guiding companies with international teams. She wanted to use her background in coaching and training and incorporate it into her new venture with The Pippin Project.
The Pippin Project provides training in life skills and helps clients think about what work they want to do and how to pursue a job, even if it appears to be out of reach.
“We tell them, ‘Maybe nobody in your family has ever done a job like that, but you can be the first in your family to do it.’ It’s more to motivate and inspire,” David said.
After starting with refurbished computer donations, The Pippin Project now operates on three pillars: technology, life skills/training and motivation/inspiration.
“Through computers and training, we’ve been able to impact a lot of families,” David said.
“This is the promise I made. If I get a call asking for a computer, I’m going to make it happen. If all of us can do a little bit, we can make a big change.”
HOW TO HELP
Give financially so the nonprofit can purchase refurbished computers, or donate an old laptop.
Companies with numerous outdated personal computers in storage can donate them to The Pippin Project, and the nonprofit will arrange for their pickup.
For more: thepippinproject.org.
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