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."
Graduation Event Wrap Up
Session Beginning Date: February 16, 2010
Graduation Date: March 23, 2010
Location: Santa Monica Recreational Center
1450 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Time: 7pm
Emcee: Loryn Napala
There were nearly a hundred guests in attendance to honor the 28 graduates from the three computer centers:
Cri-Help, House of Uhuru and Walden House.
Beginning just after 7pm, the emcee, Loryn Napala, welcomed guests and congratulated students for their dedication and hard work. To inspire the students, keynote speaker Caroline Corser, contributing author to the book, “Happiness is a Decision of the Heart” was introduced. Enlivening the crowd with her witty accounts of her computer interactions, she had the crowd amused with her important message of finding laughter in times
of perplexity.
Richard Rojas, graduating student from Cri-Help, then started the ‘Student Stories’ section of the ceremony. Elaborating upon his Plan for Success, he spoke of the skills gained from being diligent in computer class and spoke of his hopes to better the future for himself and for his family. Christopher McCowen, graduation representative for the House of Uhuru then spoke, telling of his goal to become a linguist, taking the opportunity to show his gratitude to CDD in a colorful array of languages. Lastly, Kenneth Slocum of Walden House, spoke of his appreciation for the computer class and his plans to use the skills learned for his Custom Bike Business.
Graduation certificates were then presented to the proud students, touching the crowd with their enthusiasm and success. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks, wrapping a beautiful Session One highlight for both the teacher volunteers and for CDD.
1 year ago
