Our experiences with Laurie and the CTN team have been great. As a young non-profit ourselves, CTN's monthly Breakfast, Brag and Borrow meetings have provided a great platform for us to learn more about and get integrated further into the SF, non-profit, tech education community. It has led to fruitful relationships with them and others that directly benefit the community and reduce the digital divide. They are open, responsive and collaborative in their approach and truly care about improving the lives of their beneficiaries.
CTN has become an integral part of bridging the digital divide and putting digital equity into action for our residents at Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco’s (ECS) permanent supportive housing sites. Through CTN’s tailored digital literacy programs, residents of all digital literacy levels were able to attend classes fit to meet their individual needs, as well as receive technical and hands on assistance with the laptops that were awarded to them at the end of their training. Without CTN’s dedicated, patient, and kind-hearted staff, over a hundred of our residents would be without the skills needed to use social media and connect with family and friends, surf the web, or apply for jobs and other services that could advance their futures. ECS’ partnership with CTN has changed the lives of our residents for the better, and we look forward to working with them again in the very near future.
I have been volunteering with CTN since October 2015. What an amazing organization which has made me feel incredibly welcome. The program managers couldn't be more supportive and helpful if you have any questions or concerns. Coaching technology with seniors is a rewarding experience which has a real impact on their lives. You also have the opportunity to build lastings relationships with people from outside your immediate world - win win! There will be occasions when you're left scratching your head... thinking how do I get across how to use email or set up a Facebook account in a way that a senior with no experience will understand? Over time, and with patience, you will find the best way to communicate with a senior and when it sticks, thats when the "ah ha" moments come thick and fast.
Hello,My name is Will.I am a volunteer with Community Tech Network at its location in the wonderful city of San Francisco. Volunteering with CTN is a Wonderful experience. Working with seniors at a local community center here in the city is very rewarding . The seniors I work with are so Awesome and we share teachable moments.It's great. The thing is, I never would of had this opportunity had not The Awesome staff at CTN not allowed me to be a part of their community to help bridge the digital divide, I am very grateful.Thank You CTN.
CTN facilitates an iPad training program at St Francis Living Room in the Tenderloin. It is a truly transformative, impactful, and rewarding effort. We identify interested learners who receive refurbished iPads and participate in 3-4 weeks of 1-on-1 training with myself or another volunteer. Upon completion of the training, learners are invited to take full ownership of their iPads. Many of our learners have never used or owned a tablet before, and this program provides them not only with a powerful and fun new device, but more importantly the means to *connect* -- with information, services, family, friends, and entertainment. It is an utter delight to see our learners light up as they acquire new skills and discover the functionality of these devices.
There's an exceptional amount of love and passion that drives this organization. As a volunteer I am constantly amazed at their drive and how organized they are being such a small focused and dedicated group of people.
CTN has crafted and facilitated Microsoft Office trainings for our staff over the past couple years. Each lesson CTN creates is clear and thoughtful and delivers practical tips and information for users of all skill levels. Our staff truly appreciate the patience of CTN instructors and are grateful to CTN for providing them with practical professional development opportunities.
CTN has been an integral partner at the NeighborNest. They've been vital in helping us develop and teach digital literacy curriculum, and bridge the digital divide for families in San Francisco's most challenged neighborhoods. They work, not only with sound expertise and judgement, but also with incredible charisma, compassion, and commitment to continual improvement. I'm beyond grateful for our partnership.
Raphael House is a residential program for homeless families. The gift of CTN is an integral component of our mission to help families achieve economic self-sufficiency. It’s critically important in today’s economy for all individuals to have access to reliable resources that will afford them the opportunity to acquire skills or upgrade existing skills. Such opportunities have an additional benefit for individuals – along with developing and improving their hard skills, they are able to develop and improve their soft skills. Our partnership with CTN is a gift that keeps on giving. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, CTN.
Karen Dick
Workforce Development Specialist
