Baker Newman Noyes Partners with Ruth’s Reusable Resources to Bring Computers to Schools Across Maine
The Computer Re-Life Program at Ruth’s Reusable Resources works with local companies to recycle technology and make it available for Maine teachers and students
To help Maine teachers and students successfully transition to remote learning and replace outdated classroom technology, Baker Newman Noyes has partnered with Portland-based nonprofit Ruth’s Reusable Resources to donate firm computers and accessories that have been retired from service to the 3Rs Computer Re-Life Program. This program enables school districts to procure quality technology for entire classrooms of students at significantly reduced costs.
As one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in northern New England, Baker Newman Noyes routinely upgrades its technology inventory for security and efficiency purposes. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, BNN has donated more than 140 laptops, desktops and related accessories and equipment to the Computer Re-Life Program, with another donation planned in 2021. Most of the machines BNN has donated have already been put into service in schools across Maine, from Portland and Westbrook to Bethel, Bucksport and beyond.
“The pandemic has demanded so much from our teachers, students and parents with the transition to remote learning and working at a scale never before seen. We are proud to be working with Ruth’s Reusable Resources to provide quality equipment to those who need it most, and alleviate some of the burden on our educators and families,” said Dayton Benway, managing principal of Baker Newman Noyes. “This is an example of what can happen when companies and communities work together.”
Demand for the Computer Re-Life program has skyrocketed since Maine schools transitioned to remote learning earlier in the year, and has remained steady as schools continue operating under all-virtual and hybrid arrangements, according to Chris Slader, Coordinator for the Computer Re-Life Program.
“The technology needs of the students and teachers we serve haven’t disappeared because their schools have closed,” said Slader. “Donations from local companies like BNN allow us to make sure that students don’t fall behind and teachers are able to meet their changing technology needs and administer remote learning.”
Ruth’s Reusable Resources has provided computers and related equipment to Maine schools and nonprofits for more than 20 years, but demand for its services has grown exponentially in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a disparity in technology access in Maine schools that has disproportionately affected low-income families, according to Slader. When schools abruptly transitioned to remote learning last spring, many experienced difficulties due to insufficient or outdated technology. To learn more about Ruth’s Computer Re-Life Program, visit technology.ruths.org/.
About Baker Newman Noyes in the Community
At Baker Newman Noyes, we know that our strength as an organization correlates to the strength of the communities in which we serve. One our core values is “care about others” and the people at BNN exemplify that commitment. They live this value every day, volunteering with charitable, civic and not-for-profit entities, often in leadership positions. We are proud of our involvement in our communities. FMI: bnncpa.com/about-bnn/
Pictured above: Chris Slader (left), Computer Re-Life Program Coordinator at Ruth’s Reusable Resources in Portland, unloads a delivery of donated computers from Baker Newman Noyes. Photo: Baker Newman Noyes