communitytechnologycenters
Haverstock Hills Apartments
voicesfromthelabs
“Don’t try and stop me.”
Alicia
Alicia has always been drawn to computer technology. “At school, I was showing other students how to use computers. I took naturally to it.” Before using the Haverstock Hills Apartments computer lab, however, her user experience was outdated and limited. “I knew how to maneuver through computers, but there are a lot of little things I don’t know about,” she says. “[Technology For All Program Specialist] Dewayne makes you want to get it. I love it.”
When she found free computer classes offered by Technology For All at Haverstock’s new community center, she found what she needed—not just for her, but for her five children. While she has Internet on her cell phone, she can do more for herself and her children in the lab. “I want them to learn computers. It’s a necessity to learn how to find things they’ll need in the future, and it’s at the tip if their fingers.”
Alicia also just finished her medical assistance training, and has two jobs available once she receives her license. She’s seen how much paperwork and transactions require computer usage. “I want to prepare myself. I want to show my kids you have to think about it before you jump.”
Haverstock Hills, a large apartment complex near U.S. Highway 59 and Beltway 8, is notorious amongst police and criminals alike as one of the worst in Harris County. In early 2011, State District Judge Alexandra Smoots-Hogan filed Harris County’s first gang-related civil injunction against 47 documented Bloods and Crips gang members from the complex. Today, a police substation and renovations mark Haverstock’s progress.
Alicia has the same undaunted attitude for her future: “After this, I want to break down and rebuild a computer. I want to be a technician.” While she’s still pursuing the medical field, revisiting computers has awakened an old dream. “Growing up I was always ‘computer, computer!’ Maybe this is where I need to be. Don’t try and stop me.”
If you’d like to support working mothers like Alicia, you can help.
Haverstock Hills Apartments is located in the Aldine Bender area south of Humble, Texas. Their new community center hosts a computer lab, a multi-purpose room and a growing library. For more information, call (281) 449-2074 or visit 5619 Aldine Bender Road.
“Most importantly, it’s a tool.”
Chris
As a construction company owner, Chris is drawn to digital opportunities. Not only does he see the opportunity for growth, he sees inspiration. “I’m very business-oriented, and this class has made me realize a lot of individuals did and can start innovative businesses.” Most importantly, “It’s a tool.” Communication is the backbone of business, he says, and online methods work better.
However, advertising online exposed Chris’s lack of computer knowledge. “I had more clients when I had a web page, but it’s very competitive to advertise on the Internet.” A website developer broke contract to raise prices every month, cancelling Chris’s company website when he couldn’t pay, while bidding wars for online ad space always went to big companies. He even bought web development packages to make his own website, but couldn’t get started. “There was never a definition for HTML, URL, nothing.”
Then he heard Technology For All’s basic computer classes were offered at Haverstock Hill Apartment’s community center on The Black Voice. Now, Chris is motivated to create his own website on his own terms. Taking these basic courses, he explains, gives him the foundation to keep going. “I’m able to identify those small things and get back on course.”
Chris greatly enhanced his Microsoft Office and Internet skills in two weeks. He plans to learn more about web development and social media. TFA’s Program Specialist Dewayne is even teaching him how to create a website. “We get good background; these classes are very detailed,” he says. He’s improved accounting from Excel, writing organization from Word and presentation from PowerPoint. Where family and friends grew impatient, “Dewayne answers every question so I’ll never be lost. He’s a very good teacher.”
If you’d like to support small business owners like Chris, you can help.
Haverstock Hills Apartments is located in the Aldine Bender area south of Humble, Texas. Their new community center hosts a computer lab, a multi-purpose room and a growing library. For more information, call (281) 449-2074 or visit 5619 Aldine Bender Road.