Pictured: Jamara James is a participant in the digital equity pilot program, which is being presented by Women's Resource Center and Goodwill Manasota.

Having appropriate technology and internet access is vital for obtaining information and job-seeking; in our community, many low-income adults and students are at a disadvantage because they lack the tools or sufficient access to the internet. Goodwill Manasota and the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) have come together to meet this high-priority need, launching a pilot program that provides devices, internet service, technology support, and digital skills training to low-income women in the region.

“The digital divide is particularly relevant at a time when in-person interactions among people are limited and virtual interactions are vital,” said WRC president & CEO Ashley Brown. Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky added, “Our goal in this effort is to ensure that all individuals have affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and the devices and skills to effectively navigate the digital world.”

The pilot stage will engage up to 10 low-income women referred by and already receiving services from the partner organizations. The clients will create individualized development plans with a Goodwill GoodPartner Coach and WRC Mentor (or Career Coach), who will work as a team to support the clients throughout the training process. WRC will provide the digital device, local nonprofit Sarasota Technologies User Group (STUG) is donating 10 Microsoft Office licenses, and a Goodwill computer instructor will develop a customized computer training plan that the participants will complete on their new devices.

Pictured: Jamara James is a participant in the digital equity pilot program, which is being presented by Women's Resource Center and Goodwill Manasota.

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