TEK Collaborative Founder and Director Jeff Williams started this nonprofit in 2021 to refurbish and distribute desktop computers and laptops to those in need and expand digital equity across Massachusetts.  

The nonprofit’s work helps individuals from all backgrounds including patients accessing telehealth, immigrants, older adults, students, job seekers from underserved communities, and incarcerated individuals learning digital skills who can receive devices upon release.

Williams, who has over 25 years of experience in various technology roles, started device refurbishment work during the COVID-19 pandemic when his daughter, then a fifth grade student in Amesbury Public Schools, transitioned to remote learning.

“She had everything she needed including a computer, headset, and an environment to learn in,” he said, “but many students and teachers were trying to keep up with just their phones. That’s not possible.”

What began as a small initiative fueled by his daughter and the community’s needs, quickly grew into something much larger.  

Seeing the disparity firsthand, Williams pulled two old laptops off his shelves, refurbished them, and offered them for free on Facebook to anyone in need. That simple act sparked something greater. Word spread, device requests poured in, and he launched a GoFundMe that raised $12,000.  

Media attention from Williams’ GoFundMe drew interest from the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), which invested $250,000 in his project, leading to the creation of TEK Collaborative. Then ECCF invited him to join its Advancing Digital Equity Initiative.

"We were proud to make a significant philanthropic investment in TEK Collaborative because we believed in the work that Jeff Williams was doing and saw what it could do for the county," said ECCF Vice President of Systems Initiatives and Government Relations Kate Machet. "This partnership helped to fill a strategic gap in our overall Advancing Digital Equity strategy and most importantly, it has allowed so many more of families and individuals to gain access in meaningful ways."

TEK Collaborative’s work and mission aligns with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s (MBI) commitment to bridging the digital divide. TEK Collaborative is also now a subgrantee and contracted device provider for Vinfen and Baystate Health through MBI’s Digital Equity Partnerships program.

Through MBI's program, TEK Collaborative provides refurbished devices directly to Vinfen and Baystate Health patients, helping them access vital telehealth services.

“Jeff Williams and his team at TEK Collaborative are an important part of the digital empowerment ecosystem,” said MBI Director of Project Management Josh Eichen. “They provide opportunities for people digitally who otherwise would not be able to. MBI is grateful for their participation in the Digital Equity Partnerships program for the past two years.”  

Despite having a staff of three, and Williams working two additional jobs, the nonprofit has donated over 8,000 refurbished devices.  

Williams highlights that someone’s discarded machine can turn into another’s life-changing tool.  

“We’re taking devices people see as worthless and putting them in the hands of people who need them most -- it’s essential,” he said.

Having worked with over 200 Massachusetts organizations since its founding, TEK Collaborative’s model is built on strong partnerships. Device donations come from corporate supporters like EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO), Gemline, Affiliated Management Group and school districts including Amesbury Public Schools and Haverhill Public Schools.  

Even though individuals are able to request devices directly though TEK Collaborative’s website, these community-based organizations help TEK Collaborative identify those with the greatest digital needs.  

No matter the recipient’s background or circumstance, those who submit a request will be added to a wait list to receive a device. This provides individuals with the   opportunity to stay connected in the digital world.

Each TEK Collaborative refurbished device is delivered in a backpack with a power cable and a guide, offered in English and Spanish, so recipients can immediately start using and learning how to use their devices.  

“We don’t want to just say ‘here you go’ and leave people on their own,” said Williams. “We want to set them up for success.”

The organization’s efforts go beyond digital access. TEK Collaborative also makes a significant environmental impact.  

“Refurbishing nearly 9,000 devices has prevented an estimated 300,000 pounds of carbon emissions and diverted 100,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills,” he said.

Despite these achievements, TEK Collaborative still faces challenges in accessing more donatable devices. Williams noted a main obstacle is that companies are holding onto devices longer, often five to seven years, compared to the previous two-to-three-year refresh cycle. To address this, he and his team built a reliable supply chain through an electronic recycling network. This connection allows TEK Collaborative to purchase Chromebooks for as little as $5 each, refurbish them, and extend their digital lifespan.

Looking ahead, Williams is focused on scaling the organization’s impact, with a goal of donating 10,000 devices per year. He remains committed to bridging the digital divide with dignity and accessibility.  

“If you work for a company or organization that has devices to get rid of, think of us,” Williams said, " Give us the opportunity to collect them, refurbish them, and give them a second life -- back in the community where they’re needed most.”

Tek Collaborative is located at 14 Cedar Street, Amesbury, Massachusetts 01913. To learn more about donating or requesting a device, visit their website.