A west Louisville nonprofit and the city’s only HBCU are empowering seniors with digital skills.The Simmons Learning Center opened at ElderServe on Wednesday in the Russell neighborhood. Every seat in the first cohort of the technology hub was filled with a senior eager to face fears of incorrectly using technology head-on while gaining knowledge and skills to thrive in this digital age.“Technology really frightens me because I’m scared that I might hit the wrong button,” said Eunice Johnson, who attended the inaugural workshop. In hopes of bridging the digital and intergenerational divide, students from Simmons College of Kentucky will facilitate free, bi-weekly literacy workshops.It’s more than teaching seniors how to post on Facebook; they’ll learn to confidently navigate mobile and computer devices, use Canva, Google, and other popular apps, and order necessary items online like medicine and groceries.“I know this is something that won’t just touch them for a minute, but for a lifetime, said Camaria Young, a Simmons tech scholar. “We’ll be able to help them organize their social security, photos of family, all the way to Artificial Intelligence. They have interest in that as well and I feel this is a great opportunity.”The new digital resource at the adult daycare launched on World Senior Citizen’s Day, honoring the wisdom and contributions of the more mature members in our communities.While celebrating the lives and legacies of seniors, the day also raises awareness to the issues they face.“We understand the social isolation and food insecurity,” said Timothy Findley Jr., CEO of ElderServe. “Advocacy is often not present with seniors in our society, as well.”ElderServe reopened two years ago after closing due to lack of funding.For the nonprofit’s CEO, keeping this beacon in the community open reassures seniors and society of their value.“Oh God, we really missed this place,” Johnson said. “This is our strength, this is my second home, so I love coming here and I’m grateful for it.”The technology hub is also a reminder that it’s never too late to learn.“Us helping them to live a better life and a better quality of life is awesome,” said Relonda Kirby, a Simmons tech scholar. “They felt comfortable afterwards that they had conquered something, so I’m pretty sure we did what we were supposed to do.” The workshops are scheduled on the following dates during the fall 2024 semester: Aug. 21 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Oct. 30 Nov. 13 For more information and how to register, contact the Digital Teaching and Learning Center at Simmons College of Kentucky at 502-776-1443 or via email at DTAL@SimmonsCollegeKY.edu.
A west Louisville nonprofit and the city’s only HBCU are empowering seniors with digital skills.
The Simmons Learning Center opened at ElderServe on Wednesday in the Russell neighborhood. Every seat in the first cohort of the technology hub was filled with a senior eager to face fears of incorrectly using technology head-on while gaining knowledge and skills to thrive in this digital age.
“Technology really frightens me because I’m scared that I might hit the wrong button,” said Eunice Johnson, who attended the inaugural workshop.
In hopes of bridging the digital and intergenerational divide, students from Simmons College of Kentucky will facilitate free, bi-weekly literacy workshops.
It’s more than teaching seniors how to post on Facebook; they’ll learn to confidently navigate mobile and computer devices, use Canva, Google, and other popular apps, and order necessary items online like medicine and groceries.
“I know this is something that won’t just touch them for a minute, but for a lifetime, said Camaria Young, a Simmons tech scholar. “We’ll be able to help them organize their social security, photos of family, all the way to Artificial Intelligence. They have interest in that as well and I feel this is a great opportunity.”
The new digital resource at the adult daycare launched on World Senior Citizen’s Day, honoring the wisdom and contributions of the more mature members in our communities.
While celebrating the lives and legacies of seniors, the day also raises awareness to the issues they face.
“We understand the social isolation and food insecurity,” said Timothy Findley Jr., CEO of ElderServe. “Advocacy is often not present with seniors in our society, as well.”
ElderServe reopened two years ago after closing due to lack of funding.
For the nonprofit’s CEO, keeping this beacon in the community open reassures seniors and society of their value.
“Oh God, we really missed this place,” Johnson said. “This is our strength, this is my second home, so I love coming here and I’m grateful for it.”
The technology hub is also a reminder that it’s never too late to learn.
“Us helping them to live a better life and a better quality of life is awesome,” said Relonda Kirby, a Simmons tech scholar. “They felt comfortable afterwards that they had conquered something, so I’m pretty sure we did what we were supposed to do.”
The workshops are scheduled on the following dates during the fall 2024 semester:
- Aug. 21
- Sept. 4
- Sept. 18
- Oct. 2
- Oct. 16
- Oct. 30
- Nov. 13
For more information and how to register, contact the Digital Teaching and Learning Center at Simmons College of Kentucky at 502-776-1443 or via email at DTAL@SimmonsCollegeKY.edu.
