Philanthropist Ms. Kathleen Patton is not only one of the Cofounders of Crossing the Digital Divide, she is also the organization’s CEO and Executive Director. With a solid background in business, having started her first NPO in her early twenties, Kathleen Patton was more than prepared to take on the challenge of opening a computer training facility. This facility has been on the cutting edge of “Reentry Programs”. City officials are heralding RP’s as being vital to the cities success as they offer support to some of the most at-risk adults who are recovering from drug abuse and other challenges. Kathleen Patton’s organization, which was formed in January 2004, gives recovering addicts the opportunity to change their lives by learning how to use today’s technology to earn a living. Crossing the Digital Divide, which is located in Los Angeles, California, has three locations to better serve the community of high-risk adults in recovery.

Kathleen Patton utilizes her business smarts to manage and oversee the operations at Crossing the Digital Divide. Because of Kathleen Patton’s efforts, the Crossing the Digital Divide staff, and the numerous volunteers, Crossing the Digital Divide is an award-winning organization that has received recognition from the local government, including the mayor of the city of Los Angeles.

In addition to her work with CDD, Ms. Kathleen Patton also enjoys a close family, friends and colleagues. Kathleen Patton relaxes by participating in swimming, volleyball, hiking, music and film.

Kathleen Patton finds special meaning in the quote, “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” Ms. Kathleen Patton also finds inspiration and deep meaning in a quote credited to one of her favorite writers, world-renowned author and poet Maya Angelou: "All great achievements require time."

CDD Class Report Uhrur 3-16-10

                                      WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                     Uhuru House /03-16-2010

OPENING COMMENTS:

Class started at 7PM. 

ATTENDANCE:

We had 11 students in attendance. Gail Harris has left the facility.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

We went over the calendar, explaining that this was the 2nd to last class and that graduation would be on the 23rd of March.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:

Chris started out by going over the Internet. He talked about the Browser and navigating through a website using the Browser.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:

Juan went over useful Internet sites. Together, Chris and Juan discussed the history of the Internet and what the different names mean - .com, .biz, .org, etc.

3RD TOPIC COVERED:

We then had the students that had complete papers read theirs to the class. The class was very supportive and found out some things about each other that they did not know. Hearing other students’ papers also helped to inspire the students that do not have complete papers.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

Chris and Juan briefly went over the Blog, what it is and showed them the Blog page.

LAB TIME:

Lab time was spent working on papers or typing in Mavis Beacon. Juan and Chris went one on one with students to help them with their papers.

FINAL NOTES:

Presented: Chris, Lisa, Luz, Simone

Complete papers: Lisa, Luz

Complete but still typing: Chris, Simone

Almost complete: David, Jeffrey, Juana (she also presented what she had to the class), Orlando, Oscar

Reggie and Sharanda are still working on their papers and will probably need the most help.