2004

Once upon a time there was a man named Ray Norman. No this is not a fairytale just a dream come true.

Ray worked for a networking company and during his travels with the company found an area of Pennsylvania he thought he might consider living. He was based on the west coast and like a lot of us due to downsizing and changes in his company was let go. During this period of time he found a job at Free Geek in Oregon. It was owned by Oso Martin. He had started the organization in his living room. Ray in all his wisdom thought “I can do that” and he moved to Ephrata one year ago this August. He too started the organization in his garage.

He gave computer to refugees in the Ukraine to a political refugee running from atrocities in Africa during their recent military coup and many others in need including people that needed Christmas gifts and couldn’t afford them. Needless to say Ray ran out of room quickly and with a years time he went from his garage to 4000 square feet at 400 West Main Street where we now reside. In the three months we have been here it has been necessary to increase the size to 4840 square feet.

With our adoption program we have been able to supply our volunteers with computers, including printer, monitor, mouse and keyboard. IU13 was here to help out to earn computers and we have recently sent 15 computers to Africa through our neighbors with Christian Ministries. We will be sending 30 more through Forum des Consortiums de la Diapora Africane to the University of Cocody in Abidjan, Cote d’Lvoire.  Included in the group of computers we have given is AARP in Chambersburg. They do taxes for the seniors and we will be sending more to them in the future. We have helped disabled veterans and an elderly lady in Coatsville.

Not only are we helping the less fortunate we are also helping the businesses in our area. We have been freeing up space they have been using to store computers, printers and other networking equipment they no longer use. We have had good response from schools and hospitals in our area. We would like to thank them for their support. We are working to get our 501( c )( 3 ) status (non-profit) which is a long drawn out affair. Currently we are surviving on donations and revenue from recycled parts. We would also like to thank the people who have helped us through these trying times: Lancaster Waste Management, Michner’s Engraving, Inc., Borough of Ephrata Environmental Resource, Cartridge World, Martins Appliance, TBS Industries, Fleet Bank, Pay Chex, Senator Noah Wenger and Congressman Joe Pitts. These people have helped us with our sign, boxes for shipping, a place to take our recycled parts, and help we needed with legal and financial forms.

Ray has created a place for people to work in a relaxed atmosphere. Our volunteers have made this program work. Most of our sharks( as we loving call them, because they rip every thing apart) are our only way we have to convert our recycling into cash for rent and overhead. At this point they are our most important asset. It helps parents keep track of their children during the time school is out. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment when they receive their computer.

As you can see the foresight of our founder has helped a lot of people in our community and at the same time has kept all these components out of our land fill. Let’s all hear it for Ray a man with a dream.

Ray due to health for him and his wife have left us to try their endeavors on the west coast.

Due to personal and family concerns, Ray Norman will no longer be with us. We are thankful for all he has shown us and are glad he has made us a part of his vision. He is moving back to the west coast April 2nd. We are sorry to see him go and wish him the best in his endeavors.

MEET THE MAJOR VOLUNTEERS OF FREE GEEK PENN

Meet Annette.

She is working from home, but still keeps tabs on what is going on at Free Geek.

Steve

He has the the patience and understanding to teach and help people at a loss about how

computers work.

Geoff is our head recycler..

 He is in charge of recycling and makes sure every thing is counted, marked and put in the area it can be best used.

Linda in charge of laptops and web page

This is Adam. He does repairs for us.