Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Klass
Hi Andre, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Andre Klass, and I am a life-long resident of Seminole County, Florida. As a special needs child raised by a low-income single mother, I have first-hand experience to the struggles that many households are dealing with today. These challenges ultimately became a major factor in helping me to become more compassionate and observant to the needs of those around me.
I became an A+ certified computer technician in the 10th grade while attending Crooms Academy of Information Technology, and worked full-time in the tech sector for over 15 years, with my professional career starting right after my 17th birthday. Desiring to make a difference in the world, I ran for public office in the 2020 general election, building many great relationships throughout the journey. My political and professional experience led to my awareness of how lack of access to reliable working computers has become a major obstacle throughout our community, and I knew this was my ultimate calling and purpose to utilize my skills in technology as a means to serve others in need.
Even though I did not win the election, I found something even greater from the experience. On the first day I was actively campaigning at Seminole State College trying to collect qualifying petition signatures, I was invited to the college and young professionals night at Lake Mary Church. The message from that night was all about labels, how the world tries to define us versus how we are made perfect in God’s image for his purpose, and I started attending service regularly as the Lord continued to break through into my heart. On the evening of February 26 2019, I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and since then I have dedicated my entire being to putting the Lord at the center of everything I do, including volunteering on ministerial teams and actively seeking/discipling new believers. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2020, my pastor Shaddy Soliman was preaching on a sermon called “Tomorrow Matters” and I had a flashback from my foundations class about how we should all use the gifts and talents that God blessed us with to glorify him and grow the kingdom. Subsequently, that became the foundation for my vision of service.
In 2022, I abruptly left my full-time career, put all my savings into launching my charitable organization, formed a board of directors, and signed the lease on a small strip-center property in Longwood.
Today, Christian Tech Center Ministries is a very active non-profit technology organization, which serves the underrepresented and impoverished with their computer needs for school, work, and more. It is the only public-facing operation of it’s kind offering free tech services and computer equipment directly to any and all in need. Since launching three years ago, Christian Tech Center Ministries has given away over 2,000 free computers to individuals and families in greatest hardship, and other nonprofits providing essential services which lack the budgetary means to procure equipment on their own. Christian Tech Center’s operation has become a pillar of the community for God to exercise his power of healing and provision to restore balance, independence, and self-sufficiency to some of the most desperate households, and to be a light for people to know the love of Christ through service.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There had been times early on at the beginning where my operation was running on a wing and a prayer, where at times I would worry about how I would be able to pay the rent or keep the lights on, but I knew that I could always rely on the fact that God would always provide, and miraculously he always did. Since then we have been blessed to have received support from various businesses and grantors, and these blessings that have come in have enabled us to be an even bigger blessing onto others. Wearing all of the hats can sometimes be a bit overwhelming with all of the various roles and responsibilities, from overseeing the programs hands-on every single day to doing all my own grantwriting and fundraising. As my organization continues to mature and grow, I have to rely on God’s wisdom to see it all through.
As you know, we’re big fans of Christian Tech Center Ministries. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The personal computer has become an essential utility in our modern society, especially since COVID-19. Academic achievement, applying for employment, healthcare resources, and just staying connected to family and friends, all rely on access to personal computers. Rising costs of repairs and retail computer equipment have created substantial burdens on local households, especially those with lower income or disadvantaged situations. Individuals and families without access to reliable technology suffer extreme disparity in terms of educational equality, economic sustainability, social integration and more.
Christian Tech Center Ministries is a faith-based 501c3 public charity based in Central Florida focused on assisting those in need with personal computers and technology, restoring balance, independence, and autonomy in households large and small. Our service offerings include free PC repairs, tech skills training, and a community equipment redistribution program.
We operate a public-facing workshop offering complimentary computer diagnostic and repair services for those who cannot afford to have their computers repaired through traditional channels. Our free tech literacy workshops equip residents with essential knowledge to utilize their technology effectively, including Computing Basics 101, Digital Security 101, and Resume Writing 101. We also take PCs that have been discarded by individuals and organizations, securely wipe them, restore them to modern operating standards, and give them freely for qualifying individuals and families of most need, as well as smaller organic nonprofit organizations which lack the resources to afford technology to support their programs providing essential benefits to the community.
The computers we provide serve as the gateway to success for clients to elevate themselves. Recipients of our programs have often been able to complete their studies, find meaningful work, or accomplish some sort of notable success in their standard of living. According to census data, 13% of the state’s population is considered in poverty, and nearly half are considered working poor or underemployed.
What we provide isn’t just a hand-out, but a hand-up as a means of permanent self-sufficiency.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has had no part, only faith. I’ve been conditioned to believe for what otherwise seems impossible by the standards of this world, because only through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, can we truly be overcomers. The entire existence of everything that my nonprofit does can only be explained by living in obedience to his lordship and trusting in Him. When you do your part and abide by his word, all things are made possible through his perfect will.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://christiantechcenter.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiantechcenter
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ChristianTechCenter
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/christiantechcenter
- Twitter: https://x.com/ChristianTechHQ
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ChristianTechCenter
