2020 ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE!
We are excited to share our 2020 Annual Report — now live on our site! In it, you’ll find stories of challenge, change, and perseverance. You can also follow along with a full recap of CTN’s COVID response, a timeline look at launching Home Connect, and our financial audit.
While 2020 was not the year any of us expected, the year signified a pivotal point for CTN. As we rapidly shifted our organizational structure for a virtual world, we sought new opportunities for engagement and partnership. As we tackled remote instruction, we launched new programs and expanded our reach to new communities.
None of the year’s successes and strides would have been possible without countless volunteers, donors, sponsors, and partner organizations. Thank you for being a part of our community!
TEAMING UP WITH SOURCEWISE TO TRAIN SENIORS IN GILROY
Last spring, CTN started partnering with Sourcewise, a Santa Clara–based organization that helps older adults effectively navigate their health and life options. As a part of its digital inclusion program, Sourcewise is distributing over 600 Google Home Speakers to combat social isolation and loneliness. CTN’s role in the partnership is to train seniors and adults with disabilities how to navigate this new technology and embrace its benefits.
In early October, CTN staff joined Sourcewise’s digital inclusion program manager, Keri Vogtmann, to distribute devices at the Plum Tree West Apartments. Located in Gilroy, California, this 70-unit senior living development is subsidized through a HUD project-based age-restricted Section 8. Throughout the day, CTN instructors conducted training lessons in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Over 25 residents and caregivers attended the daylong event, and every household in attendance received its own speaker from Sourcewise.
We are always excited to find new ways for seniors to engage with the digital world. For older adults who may have trouble navigating or viewing a screen, the Google Home Speaker offers a helpful alternative to laptops and tablets. We appreciate Sourcewise’s efforts to mitigate social isolation and look forward to future collaboration!
COMMUNITY TECH NETWORK SPOTLIGHT
LEARNER: ANNA CHOU
“This is just a marvelous program; that’s all I can say. It is so helpful and just super!” says Home Connect learner Anna Chou. When Anna’s workplace became increasingly digitized over the past decade, it proved to be a difficult transition. Read how CTN helped her learn the tools of technology.
STAFF: DIMA KHOURY
Palestinian native Dima Khoury spent years working in software engineering and business development for Silicon Valley tech companies. For her “second act” in life, Dima has dived into the nonprofit world — leveraging her business and management skills to improve the lives of others. Follow along with Dima’s impressive journey to CTN through the Encore Fellowship program.
VOLUNTEER: SERENA PANG
“Personally, I couldn’t live without my phone and computers,” reflects volunteer Serena Pang. “I can’t imagine how hard it is for [seniors]. I think it’s really important that we keep them up to date and not overlook them.” Check out how Serena got started as a digital coach with CTN!
WE’RE HIRING!
CTN is looking for personable, hard-working team players to join our growing organization. We are currently hiring for a bilingual digital literacy program manager. The person selected for this role will collaborate with team members to develop and improve digital literacy programs in the East Bay. Check out our careers page for job descriptions and future opportunities.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS — GIVING TUESDAY IS NOV. 30!
As we come upon a season of giving and gratitude, we ask you to consider investing in digital inclusion. Your support helps seniors and underserved communities reap the benefits of the information age. Be on the lookout for ways to give on our social media channels, or visit our donate page to get an early start!
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