UR Community Cares Establishes Tech Center

UR Community Cares (UCC), a nonprofit dedicated to serving older and disabled adults, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Town of Manchester American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Sustainability Grant Program. This funding will support establishing a community tech center, at the Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center (153 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT). UR Community Tech Center will have an Open House on Monday, April 1st from 1-5:30 pm and a Ribbon Cutting at 4:30 pm.

As the 1st Senior Planet licensed partner in Connecticut, it will be centered around the following impact areas: health & wellness, social engagement, creative expression, financial security, and civic engagement and advocacy. It is tailored for older adults (age 50+), fostering digital literacy and community connections through lectures, workshops, and classes. Since its inception in February 2019, UCC has been committed to providing inclusive programs through its website, www.urcommunitycares.org. The "UR Community Tech Center" represents the organization's latest initiative to create a supportive learning environment for veterans, individuals seeking digital assistance, and those eager to connect with their community.

Michelle Puzzo stated, "The facility will serve as a welcoming environment for social interaction, addressing the critical need to combat loneliness and isolation among older adults and individuals with disabilities. Acting as a 'third place'—distinct from home or work—it will offer a professional setting, fostering employee morale, engagement, and a sense of community. Moreover, it will facilitate team synergy, enabling effective collaboration with board members and promoting interpersonal communication, vital for various tasks."

"The Neighborhoods & Families Division has partnered with UR Community Cares to continue to serve the marginalized, underrepresented members of our local community. UR Community Cares core values closely align with our division's mission, and our partnership will allow us to share resources, collaborate on programming, and better meet the evolving needs of our residents," said James Costa, Recreation Supervisor, Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation.

UR Community Tech Center will serve as UCC's new headquarters, offering a centralized hub for business operations, meetings, and administrative tasks. Additionally, the center will provide office space for UCC's trainees and interns, who have been working remotely. UCC aims to forge partnerships with various town departments and businesses to ensure inclusivity, targeting individuals below the poverty line, veterans, and those facing language barriers. By offering access to economic opportunities, workforce integration, online education, health resources, and community engagement, the center will play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of diverse populations. It aims to create intergenerational connections, improve social determinants of health, and bring joy to the lonely.

Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director of UCC, highlighted findings from a Pew Research Center study, revealing that individuals over 65 are the least likely demographic to use the internet. She emphasized the unique challenges seniors face in accessing and using technology, often experiencing anxiety due to a digital skills gap. Recognizing this need, UCC is committed to offering comprehensive training programs to empower seniors with essential digital skills, enabling them to navigate www.urcommunitycares.org with confidence.

UCC is looking for volunteer trainers and classroom assistants for the tech center, please contact them at 860-430-4557 or email info@urcommunitycares.org for more information.