“Having [the computer and internet access here in my home] makes me
feel that I am no longer alone—because when you get older, it can get
lonely, you know.
But now it feels like I have a friend that I can hang out and have fun
with. I love learning about this new friend’s quirks, so that we can get
along even better....and you guys have been so helpful and patient
when I called you about difficulties I encountered while
using the computer and internet…
I learned so much from the support you have given me that I am now
the “tech guy” my apartment neighbors call when they have issues.”
Mel Lewis
Digital Navigator End-user
East Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA
“The Washington Co Digital Navigator Project has been a game-changer for the emergency services in Cokeburg borough, specifically for the Cokeburg Volunteer Fire Department. With access to critical devices and comprehensive digital skills training, the project has helped us significantly improve our life-saving emergency services and enhanced our response capabilities to fire protection and other critical situations.
The project's support has bridged the gap between our aspirations and financial constraints, enabling us to better serve our community with faster and more efficient responses. We are immensely grateful for their support and excited about the positive impact it will have on our department's operations and the safety of our residents.”
Chief Dave Lambert
Cokeburg Volunteer Fire Co.
Cokeburg, PA
Ronald Garett, known as “G,” is a Washington, PA resident who is turning his lifelong passion for painting into a business. Originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, G has been an artist for as long as he can remember, with a deep love for painting. Now, he’s channeling that creativity into a new venture: Eugene’s Palette LLC, a company that will offer residential and commercial painting services, along with home improvement solutions such as roofing, insulation, electrical work, and plumbing.
G’s journey from artist to entrepreneur has been significantly supported by Computer Reach, our local nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide. Through our resources and training programs, G has been able to build his computer skills and gain the knowledge needed to start and run his own business. “I didn’t know that the program existed until Ignite offered this class to me,” G explained. “Sarah and her teammates have extended my knowledge on the computer so much that I was able to get a lot done faster, more efficiently, and with less stress.”
Ronald Garrett
Digital Navigator End-user
Southwest Training Services, Inc.'s partnership with the Washington County PA Digital Navigator Project has been a very positive one which has greatly impacted the individuals that our agency enrolls and provides workforce development services with. Individuals and families who otherwise could not access a computer from home are now becoming digitally connected.
This program not only provides a computer, but it also enhances digital literacy and provides the tools and platforms, along with an engaged and knowledgeable staff, to deliver effective learning experiences. We are proud to partner with Computer Reach, and this project, which results in the growth of digital connectivity and literacy for families in Washington County.
Lisa Neil
President
As the Operations Manager at Ignite, a business incubator and co-working space serving Washington County, I see many entrepreneurs and small business owners come through wanting to fulfill the dream of working for themselves.
We assist these entrepreneurs with free resources, consulting and programs designed to empower and educate. At times, I see small business owners come in and they do not have the technology or knowledge to be competitive and successful in today's market; this can be a difficult barrier to overcome and oftentimes is the difference between success and failure.
Knowing that the Digital Navigator Project exists in Washington County is a lifeline that I have seen, firsthand, make an impact on these small businesses. I am a proud partner of this initiative and so glad to be part of making a difference in our community.
Christie Johnson
Operations Manager
“My knowledge of technology and ways of life broaden everyday through research. With the proper technology that I have now I am able to do so, so Im am thankful for Achieva & Computer Reach.
You all have helped me gain a form of independence & access to the internet all from my home. I can also now work from home, if given the opportunity. Having a computer has made obtaining information, as well as creating digital forums, much easier.
I am forever grateful for the services that you all provide. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!”
Zelayna Black
Digital Navigator End-user
“I want to thank Computer Reach for helping my daughter finish her last year of high school by providing us with internet access and support. Access to the Internet was important during her last year of school because of the pandemic, but we couldn't afford it. So having free internet access at home made it a lot easier for her to do homework and research.
I am also thankful that they were always there when we had troubles with the hotspot. They made it all the way to our house to fix any of the issues we had in Spanish. It is a great service [Computer Reach] offers, and I hope they are able to serve more people like us, who really need it.”
Maria Gonzales
[Spanish-speaking] Digital Navigator End-user
Mount Oliver, PA
“A few years ago, I suffered from a loss of blood pressure that resulted in a fall that caused broken ribs, broken laptop computer and furniture. I was forced to do computer work on my small-screened cell phone. Not easy with elderly eyes. I am a senior living on a fixed income without the means to replace all that was lost due to my accident.
The Computer Lottery Program that provides free [refurbished Giant Eagle] computers for those in need has restored access to my friends and family worldwide. I should also mention that there are other seniors in my high-rise apartment building that have received free computers from Computer Reach. Thank you again for being a very important part of our community.”
James Dugan
Computer Lottery Program End-user
Blawnox, PA
“As a homeless person, my life has been a series of trials and tribulations, abandonment, abuse, and addiction, but I refuse to let my past define my future. The Digital Navigator Project holds immense significance for me as I embark on the journey of rebuilding my life. Through this project, I was provided with computer and digital skills training, including computer classes.
These resources will be the key to reignite my passion for spreading the message of hope and redemption.The project is empowering me to reclaim what I have lost and rebuild the foundations of my professional life, and breathe new life into my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Most importantly, the Digital Navigator Project will allow me to reconnect with my children, who have been deeply affected by my past struggles.”
Rick Bucks
Digital Navigator End-user
Washington, PA
“I am a United States Army veteran and I am currently going back to school and majoring in Criminal Justice and Human Services. I decided to do that because I would like to supplement my social security income. Prior to receiving the Digital Navigator services, I was doing my school work on my cell phone. Needless to say, it was very difficult for me to properly access my coursework or even do research or work on my assignments.
[The Digital Navigator] program was a game changer for me. [The digital navigator] came to my house and he set up the computer and wi-fi hotspot; he also patiently showed me how to use the computer, access my school’s website, and use the internet. A few weeks later, my school provided me with a laptop to be used for school work. This was great, but it also posed a problem because the laptop’s operating system needed to be configured before I could use it. I had no idea how to do that.
At first, I tried calling a couple of tech service companies, but quickly I realized it was gonna be too expensive. This is because I don’t have a car,so the techs had to come to my house. My last hope was to call [the Digital Navigator Program] asking for help with my laptop. I was happy I did, because they promptly scheduled an appointment for an in-person training session. They came to my house and configured my laptop and showed me how to properly use it. They stayed with me for about an hour.
I can’t say enough about [the Digital Navigator program]. This is such a great service for folks like me who just can’t afford in-person training and who can’t physically attend in-person computer classes.”
Bobby Jenks
Digital Navigator End-user
Heidelberg, PA
Digital Literacy & Internet Access are Super Social Determinants of Health because they serve as foundation for all other social determinants of health (economic sustainability, health care system, community and social context, food, education, neighborhood, and physical environment). In telehealth, equity is key to any Digital Inclusion efforts…
"I have a Computer Reach set up (Desktop & Hotspot) in my apartment. I am very happy with the way they set up my computer and let me know the items I would get with it. I can now check my doctor’s emails and schedule appointments, watch my shows on my TV, and do so many other things. I am so grateful for the tech support and service [Computer Reach] provides.”
Meg Neuherz
Digital Navigator End-user
Metowers, Avalon, PA
