Lorraine is interviewed often on radio and television for her knowledge of recycling and reuse. Her friendly and charismatic persona has lead her to be a recipient of the etown e-chievement award in 2009.
Founder and Executive Director of NextStep Recycling, Lorraine turned a computer repair hobby and an interest in social justice and equal access to education into a community endeavor. NextStep provides computers and job training to disadvantaged and marginalized populations, and sells refurbished computers and other electronics at two ReUse stores.
Diagnosed with autism in her youth, Kerwood taught herself how to fix computers in college. While a social worker for the Oregon Department of Child Welfare, she began refurbishing obsolete computers for children and adults living in foster care.
Demand was so high that in 2004 Kerwood quit her job and expanded her computer operation to a public setting. NextStep focuses on job and social skills training for unemployed and underemployed community members while providing technology and training to children and adults who have barriers to employment and education.
Lorraine is the a member of the DEQ Oregon E-Cycles workgroup, Committee Chair for the Lane County Resource Recovery Advisory Committee, and a City of Eugene Human Rights Commissioner. She is a Member of the GreenLane Sustainable Business Network, a member of the Lane Community College Computer Information Technology Advisory Committee, and is a proud Lane County Master Recycler. Lorraine is a passionate advocate for people on the autism spectrum, for trauma survivors, and for people who experience disabilities. Lorraine believes that all people are brilliant, no matter what label they carry, and should be treated with respect and dignity.
Learn more about Lorraine by reading her about page on NextStep’s Website, or watch the video below.
