| Tanner helps open computer lab |
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Posted: Friday, April 2, 2010 11:51 am
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AIDING SENIORS – Con. John Tanner and Senior Aides Director Melinda Goode were joined by a cast of several county and city mayors and local dignitaries in the opening of a new computer lab dedicated to training seniors in computer skills.
With the idea in place to launch the older generation into the technological era, a local organization has seen positive results from the baby-step program.
The Senior AIDES Program began only a short time ago through a joint effort of the USDA and the Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency.
The two agencies heeded the call for help from seniors struggling to find footing in an unknown technological arena.
The Senior AIDES program helps provide training to people who are 55 years and older; displaced; lack relevant job skills and unemployed.
With the recent awarding of a grant, the Senior AIDES program has taken on a whole new level and now provides an opportunity for seniors to learn much-needed, basic computer skills.
Only two ARRA grants were awarded in the state for a computer lab and Northwest Tennessee benefitted from $30,000 in Recovery Act funds.
With that money, the NWTHRA was able to retrofit existing classroom space at the Northwest Tennessee Development District location in Dresden and convert it into a fully-functioning computer lab for members of its Senior AIDES program.
Currently, there are 65 people enrolled in basic computer classes. Through a second grant called Generations On-Line, the computer lab now offers a computer class that is mandatory for participants of the Senior AIDES program.
The facility hosted an official grand opening Wednesday in Dresden. Con. John Tanner, as well as local dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting.
The computer lab as well as classes are open to the public. Anyone wishing to make an appointment or for more information about the Senior AIDES program, can contact Melinda Goode, director of the Senior Community Service Employment Program, by email at Melinda.goode@nwthra.org.
WCP 4.01.10
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