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At Friendship Place, there are moments that fill our hearts with deep gratitude—moments when acts of kindness ripple far beyond their starting point and change lives in real, beautiful ways. Recently, our community came together in such a way, and we’ve been humbled and inspired by what has unfolded.

A Gift That Opens Doors

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Bobby Lipman, from Phoenix Computers whose passion project is “Old Laptops for Good Causes, Not Landfills,” we received 129 COMPUTERS—each one more than just a tool. Each one is a bridge toward hope, toward opportunity, toward a better tomorrow.

In a world where technology is woven into nearly every part of our lives, these devices bring so much more than a screen and keyboard. They bring hope!

Stories of New Beginnings

These laptops are already doing incredible work in the lives of people we walk alongside every day:

• Earl, who could only manage job searches on his phone, now has the freedom to build a resume, look for work, and apply with hope that reaches beyond small screens.
• Ikeuri is now using the laptop to continue his housing search, something that seemed impossibly difficult without reliable tech.
• Yusuf, a veteran, can now meet with his VA doctors via Zoom—not finding travel or time a barrier anymore.
• Derrick, a barber with big dreams, can finally spread the word about his business online—embracing a chance to grow, to serve, to build.

Each of these stories shows how a seemingly small gift—just one laptop—can lift the burden of so many daily struggles.

Gratitude That Resonates

Here are some of the words spoken when someone realized this wasn’t just a donation—it was a lifeline:

“I really needed this. Thank you so much.” – Ikeuri
“Thank you for the laptop! I’ve never had my own computer and have always had to go to a friend’s house to use theirs.” – Derrick
“Thank you for the laptop, I’m starting to get back on my feet again and this laptop allows me to use Zoom to meet with my VA doctors.” – Yusuf

More Than Machines

These laptops are more than machines. They are:

• A student’s chance to learn without limits
• A job seeker’s tool for breaking through barriers
• An entrepreneur’s platform to share their gifts
• A veteran’s connection to the care they deserve
• An individual’s steady step toward stable housing

With your generosity, we’re lighting the path toward independence and stability for so many.

To Bobby, and everyone who has stood with us—partners, donors, advocates—your kindness does more than move us; it changes us. Thank you!