Connected Living Partners with D.C. Housing Authority to Bridge Digital Divide for Seniors at Garfield Terrace

QUINCY, Mass., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Connected Living®, a mission-based organization helping senior citizens live richer, more connected lives through the use of technology, today announced that the first Connected Living graduation ceremony for residents of the D.C Housing Authority's Garfield Terrace residences will take place on June 5th. The Connected Living program at Garfield Terrace focuses on digital literacy training and offers seniors living at the community access to technology, programing and support to help them stay connected and engaged, and to narrow the digital divide that isolates nearly 25 million senior citizens in the U.S. alone.

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"Access to technology is a matter of social justice and provides our residents with an opportunity to have all of the benefits of a connected life," said D.C. Housing Authority Executive Director, Adrianne Todman.  "Garfield Terrace residents now have the ability to participate in areas that matter most to them including, education, healthcare, socialization, jobs and bridging of the generations."

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent C. Gray, who will attend the graduation ceremony, is an avid supporter of the program. "The initiative at Garfield Terrace is a fantastic example of how the public and private sectors can partner for the greater good. By providing our senior citizens with access to technology – and the training and support that is essential to its successful adoption – we've broadened their community and given them access to all sorts of new opportunities. They are using the technology to stay in touch with their kids and grandkids and to meet their neighbors. They're taking advantage of online educational and career opportunities. They're preserving their memories and insights so that a whole new generation can benefit from their collective wisdom.  It's very exciting to see, and the success of the program demonstrates how technology can remove barriers and create a more equitable and prosperous society."

Connected Living launched the Garfield Terrace program on April 10 with a group of twenty-four residents. As part of the program, Connected Living provided the residents with access to computers through which they could interact with their families, neighbors, and building administrators in a safe, private online community. More importantly, Connected Living provided the residents and administrators with the training and ongoing support that is essential to helping seniors feel comfortable using the technology.

"It is not ok to leave an entire generation out of the conversation simply because they do not have access or the training needed to adopt technology," said Sarah Hoit, CEO and co-founder of Connected Living. "Staying connected to friends and family, accessing goods and services, education and job opportunities, and quality, affordable health care is an opportunity we should all have.  Connected Living has proven that seniors across the country want to connect and once they do, it not only impacts their quality of life, but also allows them to share their wisdom and voice with their family and surrounding community." 

The graduation ceremony on June 5th will include a welcome address given by D.C. Housing Authority Executive Director Adrianne Todman, followed by a video showing the positive impact Connected Living has had on their lives of the residents at Garfield Terrace. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray will then speak to the audience, and the ceremony will close with the presentation of certificates and a reception for the graduates. The next group of Garfield Terrace residents has already signed up for classes and a new peer trainer from the first class will be crowned at the ceremony.

The Connected Living Solution

The Connected Living Network is an award-winning Web-based social platform designed specifically for the senior living industry. Coupled with the company's unique approach to training and support, it integrates social networking, distance learning, community menus and calendars, and an extensive administrator dashboard to help get entire communities online and connected. In addition, Connected Living can provide complete turnkey solutions, including the creation of computer cafes, the provisioning of computers, tablets, and broadband connectivity, and the training of community staff to serve as on-site support personnel.

About Connected Living

Founded in 2007, Connected Living® is helping senior citizens live richer, more connected lives by combining simplified technology with high-touch personal support. Through its unique Connected Living Network, the company brings together seniors, their families, and community administrators in a secure, private online community. Connected Living has been adopted by the most recognized thought-leaders in both the private senior living industry, as well as the public housing authorities in more than 17 states.

SOURCE Connected Living