“Too good to be true.” That is how Home Connect learner Scott described his first impression of CTN during that first phone conversation with staff member Stephen Minor while searching for resources to get connected. Originally from Hawaii and a Bay Area resident for 23 years, Scott had used the public library computers for his internet needs. After the libraries were closed in March due to the stay-at home-orders, he spent nearly two months trying to find someone who would help him get online.

“I was about to give up. I was lonely and feeling really down being stuck at home. I was so frustrated and discouraged. And then Little Brothers referred me to CTN. That call really saved my life. At first, it sounded too good to be true when I spoke with Mr. Minor. When Al Ho began to assist with getting an internet account and Josie Boyle delivered my new tablet, I knew it was for real.”

Scott recently finished his first five hours of basic training with Josie and is eagerly awaiting being introduced to his digital coach for the additional training. Scott has already identified Accessing Healthcare and Telemedicine as his first Learning Pathway so he can once again have easier access to his doctor.

Scott adds, “Mr. Ho was helpful in recommending the right internet provider and preparing me in dealing with the process of applying to the Internet Essentials program. His follow-up call was appreciated as it took some time for the application to be approved. Josie is a very good instructor. She is patient with a welcoming manner and is generous in sharing her technical expertise. I felt comfortable during the sessions, especially since I never utilized a tablet before. I feel like I have finally joined the 21st century. I want to express my deep gratitude to your team in helping me close the “digital divide,” especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.”

Thank you, Scott, for sharing your experiences. You are an inspiration to other older learners contemplating their pathway across the digital divide and confronting their fears of the unknown associated with the journey.

When Renee, an older adult sheltering at home, was asked how she got involved in CTN’s Home Connect training, she did not hesitate to answer: “I was referred by God, and Heaven gave me my new tablet! I was amazed and overwhelmed that I received a gift of a tablet and training.” Her passion for learning and her gratitude demonstrate the impact CTN has made for her. “If we seniors don’t get a toehold on this computer stuff, everything is going to be on the computer, and we’ll be left out!”

Renee was first matched with CTN staff trainer Carlos Sivira for five sessions, then made the transition to Ivy Au, her digital coach volunteer. While she appreciates both Carlos and Ivy and gives them great praise and high marks, she says “I’m really in love with my tablet. Seniors need to have a device and be educated on how to use it. I love Zoom, and I use Google all the time. I just love to do research. Google is my set of encyclopedias, and my tablet is my Dick Tracy watch!”

Renee, a San Francisco resident for nearly 50 years, first took a computer class about 15 years ago. At that time, she was introduced to Facebook, which is how she keeps up with her family in Memphis (her hometown) and friends around the world using her cellphone. He son gave her an old laptop several years ago. Although it was on its last legs, using it helped her become more comfortable with technology.

An inspirational speaker, Renee plans to write a motivational book using her tablet. “I have a passion to help others as I have been helped. I want to provide encouragement about making the most out of life. My life equals such happiness. I want to help older adults stay positive as you age so you can experience all the joys in life. I used to have a five-year plan; now it’s a one-minute plan. I live in the moment and want to share that, so people don’t spend their life worrying.” Renee’s artistic side will also be supported by using apps she has discovered online to paint and draw.

Thanks for sharing, Renee, and thank you, CTN’s volunteers and financial supporters, for making moments like this possible.

Valerie enjoyed her part-time job assisting hospital visitors at the information desk at CPMC’s Mission Bernal Campus. Then COVID-19 arrived, and her position was eliminated to help ensure employee and patient safety. Wishing to remain active and keep working, she turned to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) available through the Felton Institute.

SCSEP offers online employment training and job preparation programs, but Valerie’s laptop was on its last legs. Aware that Community Tech Network’s Home Connect program provides a device to eligible candidates, SCSEP submitted her name and information to CTN. Since Valerie already had a home internet connection, she was accepted into the program and quickly enrolled in Home Connect. Her assigned staff trainer, Josie Boyle, delivered her new tablet.

Since Valerie had some computer and internet experience, she and Josie quickly progressed through the first five sessions. Diana, a CTN volunteer digital coach, was then matched to assist Valerie with her identified Learning Pathways training. These sessions have empowered Valerie to attend three weekly two-hour employment training sessions with SCSEP via Zoom, and three telemedicine visits with her medical providers. Although she is fortunate to live only two blocks from Safeway, her bad knees will not tolerate standing in the 20-minute checkout line. She now can order groceries online from Whole Foods and other items from Walmart and Amazon.

Born in Letterman General Hospital at the Presidio, Valerie loves San Francisco and says it is all about the people.

“Josie and Diana are great examples of the wonderful people who live here. They are both so personable and caring. After my training began, I was reminded how much I missed being around others. This experience with them has given me new hope about the people of San Francisco amidst all the ugliness with the virus and social issues playing out daily. Recently, I read a story on the internet about skin hunger, a physical and mental health condition caused by lack of human touch. I’m looking forward to the day when I can hug Diana to thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to train me and doing so in a positive and uplifting manner.”

The number of Home Connect participants is updated weekly. Be sure to check back for moving stories of other Home Connect learners.