King, Herpel and Associates Trains Refugees in Los Angeles

For information contact: Heidi L. Herpel

The recent Tsunami has brought attention to the plight of others, less fortunate, in that part of the world and much aid and effort is being directed there. In addition to over 100,000 people who lost their lives in this disaster, millions of others all over the world are suffering as a result of disease, oppression and conflict. Over two million people died of Aids in Africa in the year 2004 alone. Entire villages are devoid of adults with orphans living on the streets. Hundreds and thousands died in Rwanda after ethnic strife leaving thousands of lives destroyed. Religious differences in Africa and the former soviet union have left hundreds of thousands of families destroyed.

During the 4th Quarter 2004, King, Herpel and Associates has initiated a program with the Los Angeles branch of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a world leader in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression.

For refugees afforded sanctuary in the United States, IRC offices across the country provide a range of assistance aimed at helping new arrivals get settled, adjust and acquire the skills to become self-sufficient.

One of the biggest requests made by these refugees is the desire for computer training. As part of the program we have initiated with the IRC, King Herpel and Associates will be offering pro-bono training classes for refugees in the Los Angeles office of the IRC. In addition, trainers will provide one-on-one training to refugees at the IRC center (or local library, where the refugees would have access to a computer). Training curriculum will vary, but in most cases, will be very basic.

If you are interested and available in volunteering for this cause, your time and effort will be greatly appreciated. These refugees are immensely grateful and very interested in learning. They have a strong desire to move their lives forward. Please contact Heidi Herpel via email or telephone should you wish to participate.

For more information on the IRC, please visit their website at www.theirc.org.