By: Charles Savage,
Chief of Operations

...November 2006…

The young men of the Teen Enterprise Center (TEC) kicked off the holiday season with a tremen-
dous gesture of generosity and love. The Computer Repair Club awarded two refurbished lap top computers to deserving individuals during the week preceding the Thanksgiving Holidays.

Ms. Tre’Neia Smithers, a senior at Jack Yates High School and daughter of Fifth Ward Enrichment Program staff administrator, Maria Smithers, had written a letter requesting the aid of the Computer Club to help her locate an inexpensive laptop computer for her advanced studies and college preparatory work. She plans to attend Sam Houston State University, major in communications, with
a minor in marketing, and then pursue a career in sports broadcasting and marketing. Mr. Michael Hampton, Computer Club instructor, after reading Tre’Neia‘s letter, invited her to the center on November 14. He acknowledged her well-written letter and congratulated her on her quest to not
only attend college, but to pursue her chosen career path. With camera bulbs flashing, Tre’Neia was awarded a laptop computer, at no charge, by Mr. Hampton and the Computer Club. The club members are Isaiah Baker, Aaron Small, Allan Richardson, Rayland Lane, all Wheatley High students,
and Amir Johnson of Our Mother of Mercy School. The computer is Internet ready and fully loaded with the necessary software needed to assist in her studies.

On the following day, November 15, the TEC hosted visitors Martin Woodard, Ms. Edith Gantt and her son, Theron. Ms. Gantt was introduced to FWEP by Martin Woodard, long time friend and supporter of the Fifth Ward, but also one this community’s better known service providers in the field of family counseling. Mr. Woodard informed FWEP of Ms. Gantt’s desire, and great need of, a lap-
top computer to help support her growing, home-based popcorn business. Ms. Gantt is the sole provider and caretaker for Theron, who has cerebral palsy. Her home is very congested with the special equipment required to aid in Theron’s mobility and comfort and, therefore, a mobile lap top served her needs better than a stationary desk top computer. Mr. Woodard and Ms Gantt discussed the cause and affects of cerebral palsy, her life with Theron, and Theron’s life as a teenager, attending
a special school and coping with his disease. There were many heart-felt questions and comments
from the youth and some of them took the opportunity to visit with Theron and shake his hand. Mr. Hampton and the his “computer guys” presented Ms. Gantt with her fully-loaded, Internet-ready computer and Mr. Curley Marshall, Photography Club instructor, along with his photographers –
Justin Lee, Henry Walker, Todd Keener, and Denzil Atkins (all Wheatley High students) – snapped many, many pictures of the proceedings. Ms. Gantt received a brief tutorial and operating instructions from the computer guys for proper use of the laptop, the additional hardware accessories, and the installed software. Also present for this special moment were Wheatley student Bralon Lee and
FWEP staff members Shawn Owens (Peer Health Coordinator), Daiman Johnson (Wheatley Site Coordinator), and Charles Savage (Chief of Operations). Ms. Gantt surprised everyone with the gift
of a beautifully wrapped, multi-colored tower of delicious popcorn balls that she prepared for the young men of the TEC! It was a great day for learning, understanding, loving and giving. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

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