Rent-to-own News - IRDA helps give ex-offenders second chance in Chicago

IRDA representatives with Rep. Danny K. Davis at recent job training computer donation in Chicago.

The Illinois Rental-Purchase Dealers Association (IRDA) this week turned van-loads of used computers into keys of opportunity for students at an innovative job training program in Chicago.

Rent One CEO Larry Carrico joined Congressman Danny K. Davis August 19 at a press conference to commemorate the donation of over 60 used computers to the Danny K. Davis Job Training Program (DKDJTP).

The program is a "hands on" curriculum that teaches computer repair and assembly skills to ex-offenders in the area, opening the doors to gainful employment.

"I want to thank the Illinois Rental Purchase Dealers Association because often times we miss opportunities by not having relationships and contacts," Davis said. "Lack of marketable skills stands as a major barrier to obtaining a job. These computers will become a vehicle for job training leading to employment."

The used computers -- five new computers were also donated -- will be used to train ex-offenders to repair and and build computers through the DKDJTP. Along with the computer donation, the IRDA agreed to interview the graduates of the program for possible employment within the association's member companies.

The DKDJTP is an eight-week program that provides significant computer training to those with no computer skills.

Of the 114 graduates of the now two-year old training program, 59 are working today, according to DKDJTP Executive Director Lowry Taylor, who created the program.

"We look forward to building a strong relationship with APRO, IRDA and others to create job opportunities for those who want to turn their lives around," Lowry said. "This will teach them how to make repairs and do work that will put food on their table legally."

Through the program students have access to the materials and guidance they need to build their own computer from the bottom up, one they get to keep at the end of the program.

Students not only learn how to repair and refurbish computers, they learn the basics of Internet navigation and a variety of software applications as well.

The idea for the donation sprang from a February meeting at the 2008 APRO Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. in which Carrico and Aaron's franchisee Casey Pristou sat down with Davis to urge his co-sponsorship of rent-to-own legislation, according to Pristou.

Davis later signed on to the bill and after learning more about the training program, IRDA President Steve Braning of National Rent-To-Own, Carrico and Pristou worked to coordinate the computer donation.

Larry Carrico and Rep. Danny K. Davis. Watch.

"It's very cool when you see how appreciative the beneficiaries are to receive that equipment, you can't get it until you see it first hand," said Pristou, who owns five Aaron's stores in the area. "I think this is just the beginning of this partnership, it's not something that's a one time deal."

Davis also urged Lowry to apply for additional funding for his innovative DKDJTP through the Second Chance Act -- an act sponsored by Davis -- that aims at easing ex-offenders transition to normal life and takes effect this October.

The Danny Davis Training Program, now in its second year, is part of the non-profit Digital Development Corporation which consists of grass-roots community organizations, businesses, educators, technology professionals and individuals who work together to help close the digital divide.

"We just had an opportunity, a small window to begin talking about this," Carrico said, "and it seemed we should be willing to match resources and that's exactly what happened."

Watch the press conference on You Tube.

For more information about the Danny K. Davis Job Training Program, contact Lowry Taylor at 773/782-6604 or by e-mail at lowrys.taylor@gmail.com.

mevans@rtohq.org