I am involved with a charitable organization that provides educational services for young women who have been abused by sex traffickers.  The parent organization is Living Water for Girls (Circle of Friends 501c3).  Their newest project is the Center for HOPE (Helping Other People Excel) located in south Atlanta.  At HOPE, young women ages 16-24 will be provided with opportunities to earn their GED and obtain education at local technical schools and colleges.  I am directing a program to teach optometric/ophthalmic assisting skills.  The program will consist of 3 months of classroom and hands-on training, followed by 3 months of internship at local offices.  The program will start in August and the first group of interns will be placed in January.
 
At the center, I have a room designated as an exam lane; I would love to have it stocked with the basic equipment a tech needs to learn to use when starting out in our field.  I have a lead on a chair and stand which will hopefully come through.  I am asking for donations of any worn or cast-off equipment/materials that you no longer need in your office.  For instance, that dog-eared nearpoint card, that ragged color vision test, the old projector/mirror setup, the field tester you are going to replace, the trial lens set with missing pieces are all welcome!  Of course, I would REALLY like donations of new equipment as well.  An aurorefractor would be fabulous! Not all of us use NCTs, but many offices do so it would be great to have one to use for training.  We also need a slit lamp and phoropter.  I also welcome electric tables, exam stools, etc.
 
For small items, please send them to my home at 435 Conservatory PT, Fayetteville, GA 30215.  For larger items, contact me to arrange for pickup.  I will of course arrange for receipts for your taxes.
 
I appreciate everyone's support!
 
Nancy Barr, O.D.