Denny Terrace Computer Lab 

 

The success of the Denny Terrace Computer Lab (DTCL) is the result of careful planning by a dedicated all-volunteer resident committee. The DTCL Committee formed in 2008 to apply for the City of Seattle Bill Wright Technology Matching Fund grant, which they were awarded in 2009. The DTCL Committee surveyed the residents to ensure that the programming and equipment were appropriate for the needs of the building. In early 2010, with initial grant funding, they purchased three computers and a printer/scanner/copier. They also hired trainers to host successful Basic Computer, Intermediate Microsoft Applications, and Microsoft Excel classes.

 

Fast-forward to 2012 and the CCNP BTOP funding has helped the lab grow to eight computers and hire a part-time lab manager, Mike Pollack. (Mike also works at Jefferson Terrace, another CCNP BTOP recipient.) Along with the basic and intermediate classes that are still being offered, new, exciting programming has been added. The DTCL Committee saw a need for more courses about using the Internet, and now holds classes on both Skype and Google Chat. Additionally, they hold digital photography classes and have a digital camera available for use in the class. The DTCL often collaborates on programming with Jefferson Terrace and the Special Technology Access Resource (STAR) Center, both CCN Partners.

L-R, Sybil Bailey, Mike Pollack, Larry Wisdom

The lab receives around 140-180 resident visits each month. They use this time to check their
e-mail, look for jobs, or sharpen their computer skills. Through the CCNP BTOP funding, Mike is available to give one-on-one help to people creating resumes or completing online job applications. Residents can also bring in their own laptops to use the lab's wireless Internet. Before the purchase of additional computers, people would often have to wait to use a computer during the popular Open Lab hours. Now, although the lab is often full, it's rare that a resident is forced to come back another time. This encourages residents to return to the lab because of the comfortable, welcoming space.

 

DTCL Committee members Larry Wisdom and Sybil Bailey have seen first-hand how residents gain self-esteem employment through becoming proficient computer users, specifically on the Microsoft Office applications. If new lab users clear the initial hurdle of learning basic computer skills, they're hooked!

 

Next month, the Denny Terrace Computer Lab will celebrate its 2^nd birthday. Check the web portal's

Find the Denny Terrace Computer Lab in our Network Directory.  

The White House Recognizes BTOP Projects

On February 15, the White House honored two BTOP Grantees. From their blog post:  

Merit Network and MCNC both received Recovery Act grants from NTIA for broadband infrastructure projects that are currently underway and connecting community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, and hospitals, to high-speed Internet. Under the leadership of Welch and Freddoso, Merit and MCNC have put hundreds of people to work and are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and improved education, healthcare, and public safety. These projects emanated from the communities where they are being carried out; each project is designed to best meet the needs of local people and institutions and to get the biggest bang for every grant dollar. Merit's project is serving Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula, and MCNC is serving communities across North Carolina.

Recovery.gov: Find Out Where the Funds Go

City of Seattle Technology Matching Fund Grants
The Fund supports technology literacy and access and civic engagement projects that reach technologically underserved communities, thereby increasing digital inclusion. Application process opens February 29, 2012. 

Public Ownership of Community Broadband Networks 
The author highlights the benefits of municipal broadband and how it can help bridge the digital divide.

NTIA.gov Blog 
Over the last few weeks, the NTIA blog has featured 5 case studies from BTOP projects.

2011 Annual Report on Broadband in Washington State 
On pages 14-15, the report outlines the work that the BTOP has been funding across Washington state.

TechSoup.org's Learning Center 
TechSoup.org's how-to-articles, worksheets, and product comparisons are written for all levels of expertise and sizes of non-profit organizations.

NPower Northwest's Tech Assessment Project  
The NPower Americorps VISTA team launched a no-cost program for Seattle-area non-profits to create technology strategies/recommendations.

Workforce Development Council of Seattle - King County Trainings

The Workforce Development Council of Seattle - King County has worked with their partners to create a series of hands-on workshops on three important topics: Financial Fitness, Using the Self-Sufficiency Calculator, and Job Search Skills in the New Economy. These workshops have been designed for staff and volunteers of our PCC subrecipient organizations. The workshops will be hosted regionally over the next six months, so that all of our PCC organizations will have a chance to attend - in the Seattle Metro area, in Northwest Washington and in Eastern Washington. The workshops will be repeated in the Seattle Metro area several months after they have been presented in the rest of our regions. So far, two rounds of the trainings have been presented. With feedback from our BTOP subrecipients, the next set of trainings will take place over the course of one day. You can register for one, two, or all three sessions. See the web portal for more information.

Job Search Skills in the New Economy

Register online here.  

March 12, 2012

9:00 AM-11:30 AM

South Seattle Community College

6000 16^th Ave SW

Olympic Hall Room 206

Seattle, WA 98106-1499

Financial Fitness

Register online here.  

March 12, 2012

12:30 PM-2:25 PM

South Seattle Community College

6000 16^th Ave SW

Olympic Hall Room 206

Seattle, WA 98106-1499

Using the Self-Sufficiency Calculator

Register online here.   

March 12, 2012

3:00 PM-5:15 PM

South Seattle Community College

6000 16^th Ave SW

Olympic Hall Room 206

Seattle, WA 98106-1499

Northwest Justice Project Videos

The Northwest Justice Project  has created the first of fifteen videos for Washington Law Help in partnership with CCN. The first video contains vital information for homeowners facing foreclosure. Find out more in our Resource Library.

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