LFC - The non-profit computer store
  • Donate
  • Buy Computers
  • Resources
  • Computer Literacy
    • Eradication of Computer Illiteracy
    • In-Depth Computer Classes
    • Family Workshops
  • Repairs
  • Volunteer
  • About
    • Newsletter
    • Contact
    • Our Supporters
    • Awards & Media Coverage
    • Facts & Figures
    • FAQ
    • LFC Guidestar Profile
    • IRS Determination Letter
  • Donate
  • Buy Computers
  • Resources
  • Computer Literacy
    • Eradication of Computer Illiteracy
    • In-Depth Computer Classes
    • Family Workshops
  • Repairs
  • Volunteer
  • About
    • Newsletter
    • Contact
    • Our Supporters
    • Awards & Media Coverage
    • Facts & Figures
    • FAQ
    • LFC Guidestar Profile
    • IRS Determination Letter

​Changing Lives, One Computer at a Time

We take donated computer equipment, train volunteers to refurbish computers and provide these low-cost, complete computer systems to in-need residents of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. 

Our hope is to keep seniors, students, and the disabled connected to the resources, opportunities, and community through technology. We believe that by providing a low-income family or individual with a ready-to-use computer can help them achieve their goals of job searching, career advancement, education, or life improvement. If you're wondering how to qualify, go to our Buy page. 

We're always looking for volunteers to donate their time in our sales office or refurbishing center. The hands-on training you'll get can improve your work skills while you're helping others. Check out the Volunteer page to see how you can become a part of our team.
LFC volunteer staff
volunteers at a conference

​LFC's Beginnings: a single gesture

Christian Mendelsohn
A neighbor gave me a broken computer he no longer wanted, but thought I could repair and use. I was able to fix the computer, and I gave it to a friend’s son who had no way to research and write school reports or do his homework. 

It was great feeling - fixing the computer, giving it to someone  and recycling a reusable computer. 

So, I started doing computer repairs for others as a hobby and soon realized that there were many usable computers that could — and should — be made available to those who needed them, but couldn’t afford them. As a result, Loaves, Fishes, & Computers, Inc. was born and that simple concept has become our mission: to provide technology that helps others help themselves.

Since 2009, LFC’s program has placed hundreds of computers into low-income households, where they have been used to further educational goals, assist with career advancement, or help a child study better and become more successful in his or her academic pursuits. Nothing feels better than that.
 - Christian Mendelsohn, Founder, Loaves, Fishes & Computers



​Where’d we get that name, “Loaves, Fishes & Computers”?

Well, we gave it to ourselves...with a lot of help. In 2008, Christian learned about the story of the Loaves and Fishes when he started going to church in 2008. Christian thought it was analogous to what LFC's current mission is: nourishing the minds and health of the people using the little resources available to us. And the same rings true today. LFC is a non-faith based organization, though like everywhere else we have many believers, and non-believers within our staff and volunteers. Everyone is welcome at LFC. 

It Feels Good to Give - Our Accomplishments Since 2009

One computer at a time, one neighbor at a time. 
LFC has provided more than 10,500 computers, thousands of repairs, and 110,000+ volunteer hours to Monterey County low-income individuals, households, and organizations. 

Since 2009, Loaves, Fishes, & Computers, Inc. has been making a big difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors here in Monterey County:
  • Community Assistance. We're proud to say that we have helped thousands of Monterey County residents "get back on their feet" through the use of computer technology. From finding employment, improving their job skills; successfully completing schoolwork, online classes, learning new languages, connecting with friends and relatives or social services and financial aid, we've been glad to provide the technology to make these life-changing improvements happen.
  • Building Partnerships. LFC is proud to have working partnerships with many Monterey County organizations, schools, colleges, and agencies. Through these partnerships, we've provided hands-on training in the repair and refurbishing of computer components, and free computers to folks who successfully completed the program.
  • Grants & Support.  We've received financial-assistance grants awards from the Community Foundation for the Monterey County, the Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop, and many other caring organizations.
  • Tons of E-waste Saved. 118 tons of donated local computer equipment has been reused, refurbished and placed into the homes of Monterey County residents- equipment that might have otherwise been dumped into already over-stressed waste facilities or recycling facilities. That doesn't count the hundreds or thousands of computers repaired by our volunteers that might have otherwise been discarded in place of a new or used computer. 
  • Media Coverage & News. LFC has been featured in the Monterey Herald, Salinas Californian, Monterey County Weekly, Carmel Magazine, KION-TV, KSBW-TV, Univision, Telemundo, Access Monterey Peninsula and other local publications. These stories have helped us to spread the word about our organization and led to the expansion of our organization.

Our Staff

Gabriela Lopez Chavez
Gabriela López Chávez
Executive Director
 Raised in South County and long-term a Monterey County resident, Gabriela has nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Most recently, Gabriela served as Director for the Taylor Farms Center for Learning with the First Tee - Monterey County. She is a graduate of CSUMB and San Jose State University.
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EMAIL GABRIELA
Ashley Boudreau
Evens Lanot
Program Delivery & Operations Manager
Experienced analyst with a demonstrated history of working in managerial level positions. Skilled in Data and Network Analysis, Nonprofit Organizations Management, and Fundraising. Strong ability to work under pressure and fast paced environment. A passion for computer enabled financial crimes, sanctions and cybersecurity. ​
Email Evens
Justo Muñoz
Justo (JR) Muñoz
Refurbishing Manager​​​
Junior is one of LFC’s longest-serving and most dedicated member. Since 2012, he serves as trainer and mentor for new 
volunteers in LFC’s computer hardware refurbishing area. Junior’s hard work and dedication, along with his bilingual capabilities, make him an important part of LFC’s team.
Email Junior
Justo Muñoz
Dalia Gonzalez
Administrative Coordinator
Dalia came to LFC as a volunteer in 2016 to work at our front desk. She treats our clients with respect and understands the type of situations many of our clients face, therefore, she is perfect for the role.​
Email Dalia
Andrea Cruz Montes
Jacqueline Leon
Digital Fluency InstructoR
Jacqueline was born and raised here in Monterey County. She has always had a passion for helping and giving back to her community. Jacqueline is an experienced photographer, video and editor and TV/News media producer. She is ready to contribute and become a successful core member to LFC.
Email Jacqueline
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Vacant
Americorps VIP Fellow
We are currently in search for an Americorps VIP Fellow. If you are interested in learning more about this role and its requirements, contact Evens Lanot by clicking the button below
Email Evens

Our Board of Directors

Stephen T. Lieberman
Stephen T. Lieberman
Board Chair
steve@loavesfishescomputers.org​
Steve joined LFC’s board in 2015 and brings to more than 20 years of experience leading information technology programs in government, business, academia, and nonprofits. Steve is interested in research and applications at the intersection of machine learning and government policy, and promoting the democratization of finance to foster systemic social and economic equity. He previously worked as an appointed government official and civilian contractor in a series of senior program management and R&D roles. Before that he was involved in a number of technology startups in California and the NYC metro area. Steve holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Biology, and Music from Simon’s Rock College and Bard College, a Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and completed his Ph.D. coursework in Modeling and Simulation (Computer Science) during his tenure at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
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Dr. Chip Lenno
Board Secretary
Since 2008, Dr. Chip Lenno has served as Chief Information Officer of CSUMB. Dr. Lenno is responsible for the day-to-day operations of over 70 members in his IT staff for a campus of more than 8,000 users. Dr. Lenno has responsibility for every aspect of technology systems management for the campus. Dr. Lenno’s responsibilities include management and oversight of CSUMB’s IT department, including all hardware, software, network design, installation, and maintenance, as well the academic technology unit—The Center for Academic Technologies (CAT). Dr. Lenno is also responsible for the campus’s Information Security Program. Dr. Lenno has over 25 years of experience in IT, project, and budget management. He has participated in many strategic and tactical planning activities, and has an excellent record of results-driven solutions to complex technical and organizational problems. Dr. Lenno earned his Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University, his Master of Science from Texas A&M University, and his Doctor of Education from Pepperdine University.​
Jacob Siefke
Jacob Siefke
Board Treasurer
Mr. Siefke joined our board in February 2018. Jacob brings to LFC his many years of dependability and thoughtfulness as a financial professional with experience in treasury operations. Jacob is a Sr. Financial Analyst at Granite Construction. 
Jacob is a proactive team player, resourceful in researching complex matters, developing initiatives, and identifying & driving business process optimization with innovative technology solutions & collaborative cross-functional team leadership. Jacob’s background in budget development and management, financial analysis and treasury operations will provide key insights into LFC’s current and future goals. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Minor in Management Information Systems from Santa Clara University.
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Hugo Alameda
LFC Director
Hugo joined LFC’s board in 2020. Hugo grew up in the agriculture industry and his love for computers and technical skills led him to become the Blackberry Supply Manager role for Driscoll’s. In his current position, Hugo consolidates, provides analytical insight and supports the production regions through US, Mexico and Canada generating supply forecast in order to optimize the fruits value. His love for plants began when he received a pepper plant as a gift and his mother’s work with tissue culture magnified that love which translated into a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Hugo further his education and enhanced his skills by completing the Jack Welch Executive MBA program. During his free time Hugo likes to read, learn new skills, or plan to the travel to the next soccer World Cup tournament. Hugo is excited about participating in LFC in order to bridge and narrow the gap between accessibility and technology.
Stephen Bernasconi
Stephen Bernasconi
LFC Director
Stephen’s work as a Strategic Supply Chain Planner at Driscoll's has polished his toolset for LFC. He brings to the board, which he joined in August of 2017, over 15 years of experience in actuarial analysis, software engineering and strategic planning roles to the table. Stephen’s work in network optimizations, simulations, and modeling of complex financial and physical networks has unlocked millions of dollars of value for his employers and he expects to have similar results with LFC. He holds a Bachelors from the University of California at San Diego and continues to learn from everyone with whom he interacts.
Debbie Cartmill
Brooke Higgins
LFC Director
Brooke is a teacher, coach and counselor at the Stevenson School and also runs his own test prep and tutoring business. He received a BA in Spanish from Boston College as well as an MBA in International Marketing from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. He has held a variety of marketing management positions in banking, food service and educational industries. Having lived in Chile for almost five years, Brooke is fluent in Spanish. Committed to service, Brooke started his career at the Inner City Teaching Corps in Chicago and previously worked as a volunteer at Loaves, Fishes and Computers. He is excited to join the board to bring both his marketing experience and his passion for service. 
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Arlene Krebs
Board President (Emeritus)
Arlene is the founding Director of the Wireless Education and Technology Center at CSU Monterey Bay, and provides leadership to the Central Coast Broadband Consortium (CCBC) to create a tri-county broadband network and assist families with broadband adoption. She has worked in the arts, educational technology, telecommunications and the new media for over 34 years and shares her expertise by serving on the boards of organizations involved in these arenas. Arlene’s experience includes strategic planning, research, project management and evaluation, funding and marketing strategies. She has served since 2011 as LFC’s vice-chair. She provides leadership in fundraising and grant writing, project management and evaluation, and assists with partnerships and collaborations with K-12 and higher education schools. Arlene was recognized as a “California Broadband Champion” (2014) and received the “In the Arena Award” (2007) for her leadership in educational technology from the Center of Digital Education, where she is a Senior Fellow.
Former Board Members
  • Christopher Mueller
  • Lysa Filcek
  • Chris Khan
  • Scott Marelius
  • Wendell Myers
  • ​Paul Smith

  • Dianah Neff
  • David Duty
  • Michael Castro
  • Steven Peters
  • Aaron Waters
  • Dan Dau
  • Debbie Cartmill
The public is welcome to attend our board meetings, which occur on the third Wednesday of every month from 6pm to 8pm, [usually] at Loaves, Fishes & Computers.
​
You’re welcome to apply for the Board of Directors and LFC Leadership Team: we are expanding and need your expertise to help LFC continue to flourish and grow in our service to the community! If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors, please email our Board President: steve@loavesfishescomputers.org
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Loaves, Fishes & Computers enables 
individuals to reach their full potential by 
providing low-cost computers and computer literacy classes to local low-income families, while providing volunteers the opportunity to learn and explore technology through their service to the community.
Location
938 S Main St.
Salinas, CA 93901



Tel: (831) 393-9260
Please allow up to 2 business days for us  to return your call. Se habla Español.
Hours of Operation
Tuesdays through Saturdays
10am - 4pm 
​See our holiday hours
Volunteer Sign In
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© 2021 Loaves, Fishes & Computers
Some icons courtesy of icons8.com
Translations courtesy of ConveyThis.com
If this website is incomplete, please contact administrative@loavesfishescomputers.org
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