White Plains, NY, June1, 2004 - "Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza," the non-profit organization which maintains the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 55 Water Street, has secured a donation of computer equipment for use at the United Spinal Association's free computer clinics from energy services company ConEdison Solutions. The organization recently hosted a "dedication" ceremony at the plaza to celebrate the donation. 

 

ConEdison Solutions donated 19 pieces of computer equipment, including lap tops, monitors, hard drives and printers, for use in one of 12 clinics that the United Spinal Association operates. The clinics are used by injured veterans, including those with spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, to learn basic computer skills including word processing and how to utilize the Internet.  In addition, veterans receive a computer to take home, once they've completed the basic training course.

 

"This program is beneficial to injured veterans and helps them learn valuable skills upon their return from service," said Harry Bridgwood, chairman and president of the Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza. "I'm pleased to have facilitated this donation by leveraging my relationship with energy services company ConEdison Solutions . Their generous gift will help many injured vets get a fresh start."

 

The United Spinal Association, formerly known as Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, opened its first computer clinic in 1997 at the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital, which is now used by 20-30 inpatients and outpatients daily.  Since then, the United Spinal Association has opened 11 other clinics with locations in New York, New Jersey, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.  New York City clinics include the Bronx VA Hospital, Bronx VA Nursing Home, St. Albans VA Extended Care Facility in Queens, and Manhattan VAMC MS Clinic.

 

"We rely solely on corporate donations for this computer equipment," said Peter Addesso, president of the United Spinal Association. "The clinics are so valuable to injured veterans because it gives them the tools to find places to live and job opportunities, and helps them return to the workforce with confidence.  We thank ConEdison Solutions. Through this donation, the company will lead veterans to career success." Anyone wishing to donate computer equipment should contact Peter Addesso at (631) 325-2151.

 

"We're proud to make this donation, which will help the men and women of our armed forces to learn computer skills and pursue new job opportunities," said JoAnn F. Ryan, president and CEO of ConEdison Solutions . "These brave veterans deserve a fair start when they return from service, and education is the first step to a successful career."

 

Before the computer clinics were created, injured veterans were discharged home with limited means to reintegrate back into their communities. By participating in the computer clinics, the veterans are able to find housing, pursue employment, education and vocational opportunities. 

 

The United Spinal Association was known as Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Associations since its creation more than 57 years ago.  In January 2004, the organization changed its name to define its broadened mission to include all individuals with spinal cord injuries or diseases.  As the United Spinal Association, the organization will continue to serve veteran members while striving to assist a larger community of disabled children and adults. 

 

ConEdison Solutions is a leading energy services company that provides cost-effective energy solutions for commercial, industrial, residential, and government customers.  Based in White Plains, New York, with offices in Burlington, MA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Arlington, VA, the company's dedicated team of energy professionals delivers a broad range of commodity, consulting, demand-side management and performance contracting services.  ConEdison Solutions creates customized programs and services tailored to help customers achieve their individual energy objectives.

 

ConEdison Solutions is a subsidiary and registered trademark of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED).  More information is available at http://www.conedsolutions.com/.  You can also visit the Consolidated Edison, Inc. website at http://www.conedison.com/ for information on all of the Consolidated Edison companies.