SeniorNet Classes To Open In Silver Spring

For Immediate Release April 10, 2003
Contact: Sue Carroll 301-578-8868

Silver Spring, Md.—The Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington and Senior Service America Inc. have teamed up to bring SeniorNet to an eighth metropolitan area location.

SeniorNet, founded in 1986, is a non-profit organization bringing education for and access to computers to older Americans. It has opened up an on ramp to the Information Highway for millions of seniors through its 220 Learning Centers around the country.

The Silver Spring site is the seventh one in the metropolitan area sponsored by JCA, whose programs touch nearly 30,000 seniors and their caregivers

“Older people have the experience of a lifetime, yet many lack the technological savvy they need to put those skills to work,” says David Gamse, JCA executive director. “The new JCA/Senior Service America SeniorNet Computer Training Center is an important gateway to senior employment opportunity and seniors’ self reliance.”

SeniorNet President and CEO Ann Wrixon knows her organization makes a difference. “SeniorNet has proven that older adults can master computer technology and be productive workers in the digital age,”she says, “If they are provided with appropriate training and support. This remarkable collaboration will do just that.”

Computer classes for qualified low-income seniors will be held in the offices of Senior Service America Inc., a leading provider of training and employment opportunities to adults ages 55 and older who gain paid work to fill real community needs. This program year, Senior Service America will disburse $65 million in Title V federal funds through the Senior Community Service Employment Program to 141 community-based partners to help some 15,000 low-income seniors find such useful employment.

“Senior Service America applauds the exceptional efforts of all involved to bring computers to life for seniors,”says Senior Service America Executive Director Tony Sarmiento. “We look forward to meeting the classes.”

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) of Senior Service America is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. SCSEP is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.