Greenwich House Receives $30,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant
Funds Benefit the Organization’s Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Program Focusing On Older Adult, Immigrant, and Underserved Communities
Spectrum has awarded a $30,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant to Greenwich House for its digital literacy and workforce development program offered free of charge to Manhattan residents aged 60+ with limited mobility, immigrants, and those living on fixed incomes.
Greenwich House will utilize the funding to expand access to digital literacy programming at its Lifelong Skills and Opportunity Center by increasing the number of courses offered and providing door-to-door transportation for mobility-challenged participants who attend monthly digital education seminars.
Spectrum presented the check to Greenwich House on August 12 during the organization’s Tech Day, a series of workshops designed to equip community members with the essential digital tools and strategies to utilize digital networks and navigate online platforms.
Tech Day aims to bridge the digital divide for marginalized populations prone to social isolation, while providing access to one-on-one career coaching and wrap-around support services. The Lifelong Skills and Opportunity Center, a first of its kind job training and workforce development center, primarily serves older adults, migrants, and other communities who face barriers re-entering the workforce, with digital education programming, job search support, and skills training as well as entitlements assistance.
“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact, Charter. “Through the Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter is partnering with valued nonprofits that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve.”
Founded in 1902 as a settlement house to help New York City’s immigrant population adjust to life in a new country, Greenwich House serves more than 20,000 individuals annually, responding to urgent, ongoing, and diverse needs by offering health and human services, education, and arts programs that foster wellness, creativity, and connection. The organization serves as a hub of civic activity and a go-to community resource for neighbors, institutions, government, and social innovators.
“Spectrum’s grant has been a game-changer for our digital skills initiatives, and we are deeply appreciative of their support,” said Darren Bloch, CEO and Executive Director of Greenwich House. “Responding to community needs has been at the core of our mission for over 120 years, and this work with Spectrum will help us respond to several growing needs among local older adults facing social isolation and struggling to connect with services. With the support of generous partners such as Spectrum, we’re thrilled to be increasing access, opportunity and inclusivity to the 21st Century economy and social systems.”
Since its 2017 launch, Spectrum Digital Education has awarded 261 grants to 143 unique organizations to benefit over 163,000 community members, distributed more than 18,500 laptops and other devices, and sponsored over 40,000 classes focused on digital education.
Greenwich House is one of five New York City area recipients of the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grant program. BRIC, iKhodi, Public Housing Community Fund and The STEM Alliance also received grants.