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 Uhuru 7-6-10

                                         WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                              House Uhuru/7-6-2010

 

 

Opening Comments:

No unusual or concerning incidents happened.  The students seemed to be engaged and respectful.

 

Attendance:

We had 9 students attend class this evening.  Kim was told by one of the counselors that there might be as many as 13 students, but this was all that were in class today.  All of the students were timely, both at the beginning and after the break.

 

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

Jeff did the overview of the class, and since the class size was small we had time to do short intros from all the students as well. Both Jeff and Kim provided brief introductions and backgrounds of themselves.

 

1ST TOPIC COVERED:

Jeff covered Rules and Expectations and Paper/Presentation and making an outline.

 

2ND TOPIC COVERED:

Kim covered Computer Discovery and using the mouse.

 

LAB TIME:

We used this time to cover more questions the students had about our background, and also address more in depth what we expect to cover in  class and more specific questions about computers.

FINAL NOTES:

In gauging the computer experience with the students, it seems that a lot of them have had at least a little computer experience, with some actually owning newer computers but not necessarily knowing how to use them well.