MELROSE, MA — A local nonprofit dedicated to making technology more accessible is celebrating a decade of serving the Melrose community.
Mayor Jen Grigoraitis recognized the SDM Foundation's 10th anniversary this month, thanking the organization for 10 years of providing free technology education, empowerment, and digital connectivity to residents.
"Happy 10th Birthday, SDM Foundation! Thank you for a decade of providing free tech education, along with empowerment and connectivity, to Melrose! We look forward to many more decades with you," Grigoraitis said.
The nonprofit officially opened its doors on July 11, 2016, after being founded to carry forward the vision of Stuart D. McIntosh, who believed technology should be accessible to everyone regardless of age or experience. Following McIntosh's death in 2015, longtime colleague Kristin Thorp established the foundation in his honor. It initially operated from a storefront on Main Street before relocating in 2021 to its current home at 406 Main St., allowing it to expand its programming and serve more residents.
Over the past decade, the SDM Foundation has become a community resource for free one-on-one technology assistance, workshops, youth STEM and coding programs, and digital literacy education. Staff and volunteers help residents navigate smartphones, computers, email, video conferencing, online safety, and other everyday technology while working to bridge the digital divide throughout the community.
The foundation marked its milestone by hosting a 10th anniversary open house on July 9 featuring technology demonstrations, interactive activities, and opportunities for residents to learn more about its programs. According to the organization, it assisted more than 1,000 individuals through over 4,000 appointment hours in 2025 while continuing to expand its online library of technology resources and educational videos.
As it enters its second decade, the SDM Foundation says it plans to continue growing its free educational programming and technology services while helping ensure Melrose residents of all ages remain connected in an increasingly digital world.
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