LANSING,MI -- “Come Get The Knowledge” is the motto of the LEDGE Community Technology Center located at 1122 W. Holmes Rd., Suite 2, in the Logan Shopping Center.

LEDGE, which means, Leaders of Employee Development for Greater Excellence has an inspired leader at its helm. LEDGE’S President, Founder, and CEO is Willie C. Harris. He is an Alabama native, who has a strong belief in helping youth and adults become aware of how to make good career choices. And because he saw a need, Harris began the organization in his home in June of 2000. In October, of that same year, LEDGE opened its doors to the public. Harris felt that his strong sense of professionalism and expertise from years of hands-on experience in a wide array of work areas would give him an opportunity to give back to the community.

LEDGE is a joint effort and his lovely wife and Co-Founder, Charlene Crosby-Harris states, “LEDGE believes that change is always with us, and meeting this
change requires a combination of new ideas, common sense, and empowerment.”

LEDGE is a non-profit organization dedicated to training people skills within the Black community. The Ledge strives to prepare and educate people to become successful in the ever-changing business world of today. The LEDGE Mission statement is to train seniors, adults, and youth in areas of health, safety, and risk management, life management, conflict management, cultural aspects, business management, financial and retail services. The organization also offers information technology, manufacturing, construction skilled trades, truck driver training, bus and motor coach training, computers, electronics, etc.

LEDGE has been actively involved in the community since its inception. The Center has participated in the Black Family Technology Awareness Week and La Familia Technology Day activities for the first two years. The LEDGE has established several cooperative projects with the Lansing School District:

- Lansing Get Connected Program
- Computer Training Program for Parents and Other Interested Adults
- Youth Leadership After School Program

Later the LEDGE organized a Retiree Breakfast Club, which began meeting in December 2003 and is hosted at the LEDGE Logan Shopping Center facility. The Club offers communication training and networking opportunities for retirees. The Retiree Breakfast Club is currently active with fund raising, activities, events, travel, etc. Listed are some of the upcoming activities:

- Golf Outing, Sat., July 23, 2005
- Basic & Internet Computer Training Classes for
  Senior/Retiree Members of LEDGE
- Women’s Pamper Me Day – Date coming soon -
- Community Family Picnic, Sat., Aug. 13, 2005
- New York Shopping Spree, Aug. 25 – 28, 2005
- Black Tie Gala, Sat., Oct. 1, 2005
- Bowl-a-thon, Dec. 2005

Also, LEDGE has provided numerous computers free or at very low cost to low-income families in the Lansing area. Additionally, LEDGE has been involved in helping:

- community members find jobs
- single and teenage parents
- individuals with serious health care issues
- high school drop outs

LEDGE is community-based organization made up of employees and volunteers working together to help people form higher learning skills for employment and life management. LEDGE plans to serve and train the Greater Lansing Tri-county communities and surrounding rural areas in technology and utilize mobile learning centers. LEDGE will focus on the economic, health, and social characteristics of children, adults, seniors and families. LEDGE Strategic Plan will lead, clarify and direct their focus over the next five years.

As mentioned earlier, LEDGE has formed partnerships and collaborations with schools, parents, local and private businesses and other organizations in the community. LEDGE values are important because they are PEOPLE, TEAMWORK, INNOVATION, KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHT, EMPOWERMENT & CONTINUOUS TRAINING.

As said before, “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.” Come by and check out LEDGE at your earliest convenience. The friendly staff will be happy to accommodate you in every way. For more information, please call 517-887-6500.

Web editor note: You can find out more about LEDGE on their web site at: http://www.ledgeoflansing.com or by sending an e-mail to ledge@ledgeoflansing.com