With the expansion of our high speed fiber network to the north, beacon broadband realizes the many benefits Internet will offer to the communities we serve and opportunities to help customers connect.

One need in our community is teaching our senior generation how to use computers and access the internet. Bill Gerski, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Beacon Broadband, and Debbie Knight, president of the Soroptimist Club of Gold Beach, have teamed up to create the connected Senior Program.

According to the US Census Bureau, 26% of curry County’s population is over the age of 65 this is the highest percentage of the age group in all counties in Oregon.

The Connected senior program will teach basic computer skills, digital literacy and cyber security to senior citizens so they have the knowledge to use the many benefits of high speed Fiber Internet.

The program is expected to roll out this October with crucial partnerships from beacon broadband, the curry Health Foundation, coos curry electric cooperative, Inc, the soroptimist club, CoBank, Calix University and central curry school district have teamed up to roll out the connected senior program this October.

The goal of the connected Senior Program is to connect gold Beach High School senior volunteers with participants to provide on site support over the six week course, the gold beach students have grown up with technology as part of their daily lives. Students will help program participants learn to navigate and use new technological skills and information. In turn, high school students learn valuable skills to carry them into adulthood.

“Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, Inc. is proud to be a part of the Connected Senior Program, empowering our community’s older adults to embrace technology and bridge the digital divide,” says Keith Buchhalter CCEC, marketing and member services manager. “Through the collaborative efforts of Beacon broadband, our dedicated high school seniors and our valued community partners, we’re fostering a brighter future for all this program perfectly aligns with our mission to enhance lives through reliable and accessible services, and is a testament to the power of community and the ageless nature of learning. It’s not just about computers. It’s about connecting generations and building a stronger, more inclusive community, one click at a time. “

According to Bill Gerski, research has shown benefits of high speed Fiber Internet to older adults, including:

• Staying connected to family and friends. The ability to video call with children and grandchildren is priceless. Senior Citizens can view graduations, birthday parties or other special events that they would otherwise be unable to attend for homebound adults, high speed Fiber Internet can become a lifeline to the outside world.
  
• Health care from home is now possible. Home based health monitoring over a broadband connection allows senior citizens to connect directly. Soroptimist club of gold beach and beacon broadband launch senior computer classes, connect you with their doctors and avoid costly trips to medical offices and hospitals. This valuable service allows many elderly people to live independently at home.
  
• Access to online banking, banking from the comfort of home, rather than traveling to the bank for basic financial needs such as checking bank balances, Transferring money between accounts and paying bills, has made banking easier and more convenient.
  
• Numerous government online tools are available through high speed connections. In some cases, adults can find answers about changes to Medicare or help with social security benefits within minutes. Many older people who have never had access to these programs can now get up to date information from the comfort of their homes.
  
• High Speed Internet access can open a whole new world of shopping convenience online. The advent of online store shopping allows senior citizens in rural areas to buy online and have products that are not available locally delivered within days.
  
• Many older adults are now working from home. Companies such as Amazon, Google and American Express are looking for experienced workers, but also require employees to have access to a computer, high speed internet, and a skill set to navigate company platforms.
  
• It’s easy to see why Debbie is excited to be a part of the connected Senior Program. “I was immediately passionate about bringing students together with senior citizens in an intergenerational program teaching computer skills,” Debbie says. “With the aging process comes challenges for transportation and mobility. Accessing the computer and learning how the internet works allows our seniors to maintain their independence. What a win for our seniors, our students, our Bold Beach community and our economy.

“In a small rural community, staying connected with each other is essential for good mental health and good self esteem.” We anticipate our first session will begin in early October.

We are currently interviewing senior citizens who are eager to take advantage of this free class. Some of them are prominent members who have spent time and energy giving back to the community over the years, it is wonderful that we can now give back to them skills they can use in their everyday lives. The program has received donations from CoBank, coos, curry electric cooperative, Incorporated beacon broadband and the curry Health Foundation. These funds will go toward buying Chromebooks for the classes.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking these classes, please contact:
Bill Gerski – Vice President of Marketing/Sales: Billg@beaconbroadband.com
Debbie Knight – Soroptimist President of Gold Beach: Knightda55@gmail.com

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