TECHNOLOGY
ASSISTING
PEOPLE
IN
NEED
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History
Cincinnati resident, Bill Pruess began refurbishing and modifying personal computers in 1991 for his handicapped neighbors to use. Members of the Cincinnati PC Users Group (CPCUG) joined Preuss and formed the Hardware Special Interest Group (SIG) in 1994. The Hardware SIG then formed a partnership with the Community Resource Center (CRC), and refurbished computers and related equipment for qualified Cincinnati area charities in the CRC facility until 1999, when the Hardware SIG’s operations were moved to a warehouse and office on Highland Avenue in Norwood.
Tom Geoppinger, President of Matlock Electric Company, furnished the unused portion of his Norwood building at no cost to TAPIN. In September 1999, the leaders of the Hardware SIG incorporated Technology Assisting People In Need (TAPIN) as a non-profit Ohio corporation. Then in July 2000, TAPIN received the tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, as a charitable non-profit organization.
In the summer of 2002, TAPIN moved to a building on Montgomery Road in Pleasant Ridge, where the organization utilized over 3500 square feet for the workshops, warehouse, classroom and office space.
Technology Assisting People In Need was certified as a Microsoft® Authorized Refurbisher in 2003. This gave TAPIN, under the refurbisher plan, the ability to purchase and install Microsoft Windows® operating systems on their refurbished computer systems.
In 2006, TAPIN moved to its current location in the Village of Golf Manor Ohio a suburb of Cincinnati. The organization currently occupies approximately 6,800 square feet of space consisting of a dock accessible warehouse, offices, training room, and a large repair lab. Technology Assisting People In Need is constantly looking for more and better ways to reach their clients and individuals of need.
Last Modified on 01/08/2008