Last month, Lakeview Community Center received their third round of funding from Spectrum, bringing Spectrum’s total investment into the facility to $132,000 since 2021.
A check for $32,000 was presented during an Ice Cream Social + back-to-school event at the Community Center playground. The event offered free book bags, community partner resources and treats like ice cream and a video game truck for kids. The funds have also contributed to the establishment of the Spectrum Training and Technology Center at Lakeview Community Center.
Mike Hogan, senior director of public relations at Spectrum, gave me a bit of insight to Spectrum’s efforts in providing resources to communities.
“Spectrum is extremely invested in local communities, and we believe in supporting community centers across the country as they serve as a hub to connect residents to resources, support and tools for navigating daily life,” Hogan said.
Funding is offered annually to continue to ensure community needs are met, and free Spectrum Wi-Fi is in place for the duration of the program.
Hogan explained that Spectrum’s goal is to invest $25 million, plus $5 million of in-kind donations, to 100 community centers serving 50,000 residents across the U.S. These plans will make an impact across the country, helping people build skills that will expand opportunities and general digital literacy. According to a 2018 report published by the US Department of Education, 16 percent of working age adults (16-65) are not digitally literate when assessed by certain standards. This percentage varies by demographic, with Black adults at 22% and Hispanic adults at 35%.
Ohio State Representative Terrance Upchurch was present at the Ice Cream Social, and spoke to the significance of accessibility and equity.
“Building community partnerships like these equitable to the public, is what helps strengthen communities and provide for residents,” Upchurch said.
I spoke with Ana Santiago, resident services administrator at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). She gave insight to the tangible benefits for residents in the new technology center.
“Having the computers on sight, and a case manager (provided through CMHA, aids with job readiness) helps residents address different barriers and establish self sufficiency and computer skills. It eliminates the need for them to find transportation, which is a huge barrier for many residents,” Santiago said.
“Everyday different classes are offered, from typing to email setup, job search, online bill pay, etc. We utilize the space for job training, we partner with Fifth Third Bank and they teach financial literacy courses, and we offer after-school programs and homework help. The space is most definitely thoroughly utilized,” Santiago said.
Another key use of the space is job fairs. Santiago explained that job fairs can remove barriers, like transportation, and bring employers to Lakeview for interested residents to meet.
In preparation for these job fairs, Lakeview Community Center offers mock interviews, resume prep and business casual clothing and toiletries via dress for success. Residents are fully prepared for the job search, and made to feel confident of their success in landing employment. CMHA’s human resources department works with residents for job readiness, and often can organize some interviews on the spot at job fairs from partners.
“Strong partnerships are key in this work, finding partners who are ready to hire and interview residents on sight once again helps remove barriers and provide skills and opportunities in the process,” Santiago said.
Some serendipitous opportunities happen at Lakeview Community Center as well, like a recent movie filming. The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) said it used extras for a film called “Stick Shift,” which will premiere on Hulu. The movie tells the story of a reformed teenage getaway driver who is dragged back into her unsavory past. The film stars Samara Weaving, Andy Garcia, Steve Zahn and Randall Park. GCFC said they estimate “Stick Shift” spent more than $40 million in Northeast Ohio.
One resident went through the first round of classes in the program 2 years ago, and through additional funding through Spectrum, she was hired by Lakeview to work in the lab and instruct classes. “It’s one of the most significant things that has happened in this partnership, she’s become the face of the program,” Santiago added.
Tena Cummings is the technology center monitor and instructor of basic courses in computer literacy. She has been a resident of Lakeview for 10 years.
“I am able to teach residents and help them brush up on skills. It is good to connect with people since I didn’t interact much with fellow residents, as I didn’t see much we had in common,” Cummings said.
“It’s fun watching the ways people interact with the space, backing up phone data, communicating, updating resumes, I’m able to witness lots of ways technology is utilized,” Cummings added.
She spoke a bit about her background in web design and programming in the early 2000s. I asked her what differences she sees from her perspective, then versus now.
“Technology is much more compact now, it’s much cheaper to buy than to build something yourself. You used to be able to keep the same computer tower for years and years and just continue modifying it. Now that’s not the case, it’s interesting,” Cummings said.
The tech lab currently has 16 computer stations, making it a fully functional space for students and adults alike. Cummings explained that children and adults do not use the room at the same time, as there are designated times for adult use and after-school use for students.
“I enjoy witnessing the varying degrees of use in the space, from people who are well versed and just need the access to a computer, to those who have not engaged with technology that much. I get to see the whole gamut from children learning to older residents in their 70s. Some people only know their phone, and I work with many people at their own pace and learning style,” Cummings said.
This partnership is running at high speed in providing services beyond just technology, but equipping people with tools to open doors, and build confidence in their existing and new found skills. I appreciated the joy and satisfaction in everyone’s voices when discussing this partnership program, and what it means to residents and staff at Lakeview and Spectrum. I hope their reach in partnerships and removing barriers to residents continues to grow and thrive to meet the needs of their community.
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