“CTN is not only bringing communities together, but it’s bringing families together as well.” — Mary Lockhart, Resident Service Coordinator for Senior Housing at Burbank Housing
CTN’s Partnership with Burbank Housing
As part of a grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Burbank Housing partnered with Community Tech Network to offer its elderly residents digital literacy courses. “It’s been fabulous,” says Burbank Housing’s Mary Lockhart regarding the collaboration. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of this.”
For two years, CTN will be offering weekly classes to small groups of senior citizens across the various Burbank Housing properties in the northern Bay Area. Each cohort meets for five weeks. “Many of our senior residents have never been online before,” says Mary. “But I tell them, ‘whether you have no experience or have already used the internet, this class is made for you.’”
The response has been incredible. One participant texted Mary saying, “Thank you for setting up the class that not only taught me how to use a tablet, but also provided me with a free one that would’ve been an expense for me to purchase. I so appreciate it, & I’m enjoying it so, so much. Thank you, again, a thousand times.”
Bringing People Together
Burbank Housing’s community rooms were closed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened when CTN’s training began. Community members were excited for the chance to gather with their neighbors. “[This program] is bringing people back together after COVID. The group is always laughing and joyful,” says Mary. By using their new tech skills, Burbank residents are also able to connect with family members. “Many of the seniors’ grandchildren are reaching out to them, like, ‘Hey, grandma, now that you have a tablet, let me show you how to do this and that.’ It allows families to keep in touch,” explains Mary.
A Lasting Impact
The program has shown major benefits for the seniors’ health. “In my four years working here,” says Mary, “I’ve never seen the residents so focused as when they’re learning something on their tablets. It’s great for their minds, almost like doing a crossword puzzle.”
Mary continues, “People can contact their doctors now. If they need information, they can go on YouTube to learn. This program has really enriched their lives. It’s given them a link to the whole world.”
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