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42 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, January 27, 2005 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Real Estate Guide Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People Volunteer Opportunities Moving to Southern Oregon? MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend December 23, 2004 Teen could use a laptop computer EDITOR’S NOTE: "Light One Candle" is an annual Mail Tribune feature that focuses on the single need of an individual, family or agency during the holidays. By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune The girl is 18, older than some high school graduates, and she still has a couple of years to go. But overcoming a past that includes developmental delays and family abuse has made her determined to get through school. "I will graduate," she says when anyone asks about her future. The Medford girl is living in a foster home where there’s enough money for basics — but that’s about it. Luxuries like a laptop computer far exceed the family’s resources, the girl’s foster mother has confided to Lois Schlegel, a case worker for the Independent Living Program run by Community Works of Medford. Still, the girl’s foster mom believes a computer is exactly what the girl needs. Advertisement "We have been teaching her how to budget and keep a schedule, how to stay current with her school work. A computer would really help with those things," she says. This holiday season, the girl’s wish is for a laptop equipped with a budget and calendar program and perhaps a few computer games. Although it’s an expensive request, Schlegel says it would be a sound investment in a dedicated kid. "This is a determined and resilient young woman," Schlegel says. "She has already overcome a great deal in her young life. A computer will help her get that diploma she longs for and help her become more self sufficient." To help, contact the Independent Living Program of Community Works at 779-2393, Ext. 213. Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Student Loan Consolidation Conference Calls - $50/Month Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker, Trunk, Footlockers