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    • LFC Platinum Guidestar Profile
    • IRS Determination Letter
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About

​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.


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

Well, we gave it to ourselves...with a lot of help. In 2008, I learned about the story of the Loaves and Fishes when I started going to church in 2008. I 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. Through the years, I've heard through the grapevine that some people think it is necessary to pray when they come in for help- and that's not true, though people are welcome to of course. We're like any other public nonprofit- we try to keep people's personal beliefs private. Thank you.

It Feels Good to Give - Our Accomplishments Since 2009

One computer at a time, one neighbor at a time. 
LFC has provided more than 7,500 computers, thousands of repairs, and 100,000 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 hundreds 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 organizaitons.
  • Tons of E-waste Saved. 84 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 to larger facilities in our current location in Seaside.

Our Staff

Christian Mendelsohn
Christian Mendelsohn
Founder & Executive Director
christian@loavesfishescomputers.org
Christian has a BA in Business Administration & Hospitality Management from the University of New Hampshire and is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Monterey Peninsula, which has also honored him with its “Founder’s Award.” He founded LFC in 2009 on his kitchen table.​
Justo Muñoz
Justo (JR) Muñoz
Refurbishing Manager
Juniormunoz@LOAVESFISHESCOMPUTERS.ORG​​​
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.
Justo Muñoz
Dalia Gonzales
Administrative Coordinator
adminstrative@loavesfishescomputers.org
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.
Ashley Boudreau
Ashley Boudreau
AmeriCorps Volunteer 
Outreach & Recruiter
volunteer@loavesfishescomputers.org
Ashley came to LFC through the AmeriCorps VIP program in 2019. She succeeds in increasing the number of LFC volunteers and the hours they give. She graduated from CSUMB last spring with a B.A. in Global Studies. She specialized in globalization, learning about different cultures and how we are all interconnected in a global community.
Judith Ramirez
Judith Ramirez
Computer Literacy InstructoR
judith@loavesfishescomputers.org
Judith is a CSUMB Computer Science Graduate who began part of LFC team as our Computer Literacy Instructor. For the past year, Judith has help LFC develop and teach a 3.5 hour a Family and Connected Workshop and a 9-class computer literacy class around Monterey County.

Our Board of Directors

Stephen Bernasconi
Stephen Bernasconi
Board Chair
stephen.b@loavesfishescomputers.org
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.
Stephen T. Lieberman
Stephen T. Lieberman
Board Vice-Chair
Steve joined LFC’s board in September 2015 and brings to LFC more than 15 years of work experience leading information technology and computer­-focused programs in government, business, academic, and nonprofit arenas, with a broad range of skills in leadership, systems analysis, strategic planning, program planning & evaluation, financial management, communications, and organizational development. Steve worked as an appointed Department of Defense Civilian Program Leader & Principal Investigator with Monterey’s Naval Postgraduate School, and as Senior Manager with Northrup Grumman at the Defense Manpower Data Center in Seaside, CA. 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. 
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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 6,000 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 as two academic technology units—The Center for Academic Technologies (CATS) and the Wireless Education and Technology Center (WeTEC). Dr. Lenno is also responsible for the campus’s Information Security Program. Dr. Lenno has over 20 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 Doctorate 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.
Debbie Cartmill
Debbie Cartmill
LFC Director
Mrs. Cartmill joined our board in July 2017. Debbie Cartmill manages the Balancing, Settlement & Reconciliation team for Capital One’s, Domestic Card Group and brings to LFC 40 years of experience in leading large teams across multiple sites who perform process accounting, cash settlement and reconciliation functions. Debbie is also the mother of one of LFC’s long-term volunteers, Jacob. Jacob came to LFC weekly as part of the North County Transitional High School Group, working with people with learning challenges and developmental disabilities. Debbie has been impressed with the way LFC has treated Jacob, and what he had learned over the 4 years which lead to his first job,with a local technology repair facility and subsequent referral and job with the GCE Program. Debbie resides in Prunedale, CA and is also apart of another local nonprofit that serves people with mental and physical special needs.
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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.
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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
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: stephen.b@loavesfishescomputers.org
 
lfc logo
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


Hours of Operation
Tuesdays through Saturdays
10am - 4pm (during Pandemic)
​See our holiday hours

Tel: (831) 393-9260
Please allow up to 2 business days for us 
to return your call. Se habla Español.
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© 2020 Loaves, Fishes & Computers
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Translations courtesy of ConveyThis.com
If this website is incomplete, please contact administrative@loavesfishescomputers.org
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