Mrs. Nguyen, a warm and spirited older adult, had always relied on her landline for calls and handwritten letters for communication. However, as time passed, she began to feel increasingly disconnected from the digital world that seemed to be moving at lightning speed. Determined to stay connected with her grandchildren and manage her daily tasks more easily, she decided to take a step out of her comfort zone and learn how to use her smartphone.

She heard about our technology programs at the UR Community Cares Tech Center, http://www.urcommunitycares.org and decided to give it a try. On her first visit, Mrs. Nguyen walked in with her smartphone in hand, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her eyes. The volunteers welcomed her warmly, assuring her that she was in the right place and that they were there to help every step of the way.

Throughout the course of her visit, Mrs. Nguyen diligently followed along, learning how to navigate her phone, send text messages, make video calls, and even explore social media. Her confidence grew with each visit, and by the end of the month, she was not only comfortable using her smartphone but also eager to explore more.

Inspired by her newfound skills, Mrs. Nguyen decided to purchase a laptop. She returned to the Tech Center, this time with her brand-new device in hand, ready to tackle the next challenge. The volunteers were thrilled to see her back and eager to assist her in setting up her laptop and learning how to use it safely.

Together, they walked her through the basics—setting up an email account, browsing the internet, and understanding online security. Mrs. Nguyen quickly mastered these new skills, and before long, she was using her laptop to stay in touch with family, manage her finances, and even explore new hobbies online.

The transformation was remarkable. Mrs. Nguyen had gone from feeling left behind by technology to embracing it with enthusiasm and confidence. Her journey didn’t just stop at learning; she became an active participant in the community, regularly visiting the Tech Center to continue learning and share her experiences with others.

Mrs. Nguyen’s story is a testament to the power of community support and the willingness to embrace new challenges at any age. By providing older adults with the tools and guidance they need, we can help them stay connected, independent, and empowered in a rapidly changing world. Her journey is just one of many, and we’re proud to be a part of each one.

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer or could benefit from our technology support, we invite you to join us at the UR Community Cares Tech Center or call 860-430-4557 for more information. Let’s learn, grow, and stay connected—together.