Woman With Autism Heads Computer Recycler

Turns Talents For Fixing Them Into Green Service For Needy

(CBS)  A Eugene, Oregon woman with autism has just been named a hero in the annual Volvo for Life Awards, and will be getting a check for $100,000.

Lorraine Kerwood didn't let autism stop her as she channeled her passion for fixing computers into the non-profit operation, NextStep Recycling.

Hattie Kauffman profiled her on The Early Show Friday.
To see Kauffman's report, click here.

According to the group's Web site, "NextStep Recycling is a non-profit computer refurbishing and recycling organization. We are dedicated to providing refurbished computer equipment to schools, non-profit organizations, and economically and/or physically disadvantaged individuals. In addition, we serve the community and the environment by recycling obsolete/nonrepairable donated electronic equipment. We are able to provide computers to the public by refurbishing used computer equipment for which businesses, corporations, and individual donors no longer have a use."

The site has complete details on getting machines to and from NextStep.

Its most-needed items include Pentium 3 or 4 computers, Macs that are G4 or above, cell phones, iPods, cords, cables and chargers.

NextStep accepts single items or an entire pallet of recyclables.

Kerwood says computers and other electronic items may last much longer than you think. Sometimes, all that's needed is a RAM upgrade or a bigger hard drive, and it's good to go.

But, it's important to be timely with your donations: The longer your old electronics sit in your garage, the more difficult they are to refurbish.

All computers refurbished by NextStep leave as complete systems with a complete software package

NextStep says it goes above and beyond to protect your personal information: All systems are thoroughly checked to make sure personal data is erased or eliminated.

A problem today is so that many people are concerned with identity theft, they're more interested in having their computers going straight to a shredder than recycled. But Kerwood NextStep is so careful, ID theft is a non-issue there.

NextStep is also a source for some hard-to-find vintage and classic Macs and parts, as well as vintage PCs and parts. Feel free to e-mail its store directly for those unique items.

NextStep also accepts financial donations.

[delynnmcad]

Great Job Lorraine, You go girl. Want to expand or start a sister company here in Houston? I''m a hobbiest and have my own little shop. Good Luck.

[mldavr29]

I am a single mother of an 11-year-old son with autism, who is non-verbal, and is classified at the developmental age level of a 15-to-16 month old. I would like to donate 2 computers to her program. One is an HP Pavilion, it is 8 years old, it may need some repair. The other one is a Dell desktop computer, it crashed about 8 months ago. I would like to know if she would trade these two in, and send me 2 refurbished computers, one to help teach him ways to communicate, and with programs designed for autistic children, just like you sent to one mother of an autistic child. Then the other computer would be for me to work from home.

[e-vine]

I am involved in doing research for an interactive web based library. e-VINE desires to create wholesome education and life skills for ALL, at NO Charge to the consumer. My primary research goal at this time, is to enhance learning and fun for differently abled children. Feel free to e-mail your ideas to [e-mail]. Also, I have a computer to donate. Lorraine you are such an encouragement to me. I am helping raise my differently-ABLED nephew.

[grannybear3]

Lorraine first of all what a smart person you are. I am so touched by your story how you are helping yourself also most of all you are reaching out and giveing other people a chance to help themself by working with you not counting the people you donate your computers to. May God Bless You for all of your gratefullness and giveing.

[sbmaine]

Thank you for this story. I saw it and have sent it on to many relatives......this is my SON!
His bedroom has turned into a computer warehouse and he also has the tremendous (self taught) skill/gift to repair, build and refurbish computers. He is 15 and has literally been doing this for years. Now...if I could only get him to donate a few to local charities.
Again, thank you for this story. It was a ray of sunshine and great to see what the future can hold! WOW!