PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A West Philadelphia organization is working to bring computer services to low income people looking for jobs and other help. It’s called LIFT and it’s getting a lift from Drexel University students.

LIFT Philadelphia is actually based in North and West Philadelphia and the national organization has sites in Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC. The organization uses college students to empower those living in poverty by helping them with skills that might be out of their reach just now.

Cyndi Reed-Rickards teaches sociology and criminology at Drexel and funnels her students into the program. “They work together in everything ranging from searching for jobs, creating email, getting public housing, emergency food stamps, the plethora of services that are available for people in need.”

This year, LIFT Philadelphia found jobs for 125 people, filed 350 tax returns and worked on thousands of resumes and cover letters for community members, all free of charge.

Listen to more of Kim Glovas’ interview with Cyndi Reed-Rickards here:

Reported by Kim Glovas, KYW Newsradio 1060