ROGERSVILLE - On Friday, Connected Tennessee presented 51 families in Hawkins, Claiborne, Grainger and Hancock counties with new Dell computers through the Computers 4 Kids program.
    What is known as the C4K initiative places computers into the hands of less fortunate children and their families across the state.
    C4K has a goal to impact the future of those children by distributing computers to those who might be facing economic challenges, in the foster care system, or who struggle with behavioral disorders and other issues.
    Working with the Department of Human Services, recipients were targeted for distribution by meeting work requirement in the Families First program which emphasizes work, training and personal responsibility.
    Almost half of low-income families in Tennessee cite a lack of a computer at home as the reason they are not accessing the Internet. Since computer skills and Internet access have become essential components necessary to participate in the global economy, the need to help Tennessee's disadvantaged residents join the Information Age is apparent.
    "This is a great day for Rogersville," Jim Sells, Rogersville Mayor, said. "I'm delighted that  these children and families in our area will be receiving computers that would not otherwise have access to such technology."
    The distribution took place at the Hawkins County Gas Utility Building. Paul Lefkowitz, DHS Director of Family Assistance Policy, said the impact of the computers will be felt far beyond today's event.
    "The Department of Human Services is excited to partner with Connected Tennessee's Computers 4 Kids program to provide this excellent opportunity for families receiving benefits through the Families First program," Lefkowitz said. "These computers will assist children in these families by giving them access to information and resources necessary to learn and thrive in our world today."
    State Representative Mike Harrison was also on hand to show his support for the program.
    Connected Tennessee is a non-profit organization that develops and implements effective strategies for technology deployment, use and literacy in Tennessee. Connected Tennessee is coordinating the Computers 4 Kids project with the State of Tennessee, the Department of Children's Services and the Department of Human Services. Through C4K, Connected Tennessee will award at least 3,000 computers over a three year period to children and families in need across Tennessee.