ZoneGreen

I have schizophrenia, and many of those afflicted with this illness experience long-term unemployment. I propose to create an Internet-XO Laptop Cafe for people with mental health issues. Every member is issued photo ID, and these ID cards have a magnetic stripe or a bar code. When the member arrives at the Cafe, the ID card is scanned/swiped, and the member is issued an XO Laptop. The info on the member's card gives that member access to private documents (including old emails) located on a central server. When the member leaves the Cafe, the laptop is returned (every laptop is equipped with an anti-theft device, which sets off an alarm should a member attempt to carry a laptop off the premises).

The Cafe also provides 10 or more Windows workstations, which must be booked in advance for 2-hour sessions. Non-alcoholic beverages (such as coffee, tea, and pop) and snacks are available for purchase.

The main purpose of this Cafe is to give those with serious mental illness an opportunity to participate in computer-related activities, which gets them out of the house and provides stimulation. Another purpose of this Cafe is to foster a sense of community amongst those with mental health issues.

Some examples of computer-related activities include playing games (arcade-style, board games, role-playing, MUDs, etc.), surfing the Net, creative writing, publishing a weekly newsletter, desktop publishing, and taking courses using educational software. Examples of courses (taught by volunteer tutors) include literacy, numeracy, math, science, using computer software, programming, web site design, creative writing, desktop publishing, keyboarding, art, animation, etc.

Michael Gardiner