seniors
Education Specialist
Organization:
Keystone Community Network (KCNet) VISTA Name:
Sara McCoy
Program Start:
6/2001
Program End:
6/2002
Project Description:
To coordinate the program designed for expanding and sharing Internet access in the community; assist in developing computer/Internet educational programs for school and community use. To provide setup and management of computers in the community; work with the senior citizen mentor program to provide ongoing training and model life-long learning and proved access to the Internet in the home through a computer loan program. Work with and provide leadership to other staff members who assist with the KCnet Computer/Internet Education Program.
Tasks may include, but are not limited to, teaching, creating news releases, reports and charts pertaining to current and projected program, assistance with 5-year business plan, maintenance of the member database and daily contact with program participants.
Project Outcome:
Coordination of educational program. Increased attendances and increased class income from $3,200 to $8,000 per year.
Teaching Seniors Computer Skills
Organization:
Chicago Housing Authority/DSSA Management, Inc. VISTA Name:
Roshawnda Joiner
Program Start:
2/2001
Program End:
2/2002
Project Description:
Long time goals include a more informed and involved senior citizen and disabled population, with seniors having opportunities to share knowledge and experience with youth & others through today’s mediums. We also expect the disabled to have previously non-existent opportunities to find ways back into the mainstream of society through communication, training, health monitoring, employment and a better quality of life.
AmeriCorps members will teach classes and work with elderly and disabled residents to help them understand and use technology.
Teaching Seniors Computer Skills
Organization:
Chicago Housing Authority/DSSA Management, Inc. VISTA Name:
Yurora Saylor
Program Start:
2/2001
Program End:
2/2002
Project Description:
Long time goals include a more informed and involved senior citizen and disabled population, with seniors having opportunities to share knowledge and experience with youth & others through today’s mediums. We also expect the disabled to have previously non-existent opportunities to find ways back into the mainstream of society through communication, training, health monitoring, employment and a better quality of life.
AmeriCorps members will teach classes and work with elderly and disabled residents to help them understand and use technology.
CTC Program Building
Organization:
RTPNet VISTA Name:
Ella Holden
Program Start:
4/2002
Program End:
4/2003
Project Description:
This year has been successful, for we conducted the following classes here at the Riley Hill Technology Center: Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, as well as Introduction to the personal computer. The total number of students attending was 54. As Ella says, “I was blessed with seven volunteer instructors by advertising in the community. I was also privileged to teach Microsoft Word with an Introduction to the Personal Computer.”
A Computer Repair course was developed for Riley Hill Community Technology Center. Ella decided to use two resources to develop this course: Computer Concepts (Third Edition) and Technology for Social Change’s curriculum (www.tecschange.org) with their permission. Ella also planned to use the RTPnet site as a reference for this course.
Project Outcome:
Developing this course has helped Ella to better troubleshoot computers, for there are individuals in the community that are in dire need of help. These individuals bring their personal computers to the center for technical support. In the Wendell Community and surrounding areas, the Riley Hill Technology Center is the only source that does not charge a fee for service.
We very grateful to add our source of Volunteers & Technology Resources. We have used the following sources this year (2003-2004):
• Schools (K-12) students as well as other personnel
• Community Colleges
• Libraries (Public and Other)
• Local businesses
• Wake Forest Pediatrics (Wake Forest, NC)
• Churches (Wakefield, Zebulon First Baptist etc.)
• RTP.net (Website)
• Family and Friends of staff members
• Department of Social Services (Eastern Regional Center, Zebulon)
• Retired Senior citizens
The quality of life has improved for the youth and adults who have taken computer classes at the center, however updating the computer equipment as well as software is still needed. We are currently looking for funding for this project and for a long-term way of sustaining the center. The Riley Hill Survey Plan has given some insight on how to get this plan implemented.
Impact Quote:
“Ella has done an outstanding job in coordinating and teaching classes as mentioned in her report this period. She is very dependable, very cooperative, a team player, and continues to be an asset to the Riley Hill Community. Her interaction with others (peers, youth, students, etc.) is outstanding. During this time period, there have not been any negative comments received regarding Ella. To sum it up, I would rate her as ‘Consistently Exceeds’ the requirements in all aspects of the job.”
- supervisor
HELP of Ojai
Website:
http://www.helpofojai.org/ Location:
Ojai, CA
Through a combination of individual, community and public resources, we seek to help those seniors, families and youth most in need in our community. Our primary objective is to provide need-based services and programs. Secondly, HELP seeks to partner with other groups and agencies to facilitate the necessary programming and community infrastructure to address emerging needing in an integrated, proactive manner.
HELP’s programs have made us an indispensible part of the community over the 42 years we have been in Ojai. From providing direct services to seniors, families and youth, to serving as a senior gathering place, to partnering with other agencies in the Valley, HELP is consistently working to enhance the well-being of the residents of the Ojai Valley.
OUR SERVICES
Daily Congregate meals
Home Delivered Meals
Frequent Food donations open access
Respite Care
Adult Day Care
Senior Activities
Utility Payment center
Facilities usage for meetings and events
Transportation to appointments and shopping
Volunteer opportunities
Food pantry
Rental assistance
Student Bereavement
Utility Assistance
Senior Yoga