Johnnie Mae recognized she was behind in the digital age when her doctor emailed test results. “I didn’t know it was waiting,” she says, unfamiliar with the new process. “I had to ask my daughter to help me check it.” Considering Johnnie Mae used computers every day for work, this was a surprise. “I had technicians help me.” Nina nods her head. “That happens. You take my sister out of [Ben Taub General Hospital] computer system, she’s blind.”

Fellow computer basics classmates at New Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church felt equally blind. Many were afraid to turn computers on. Edwardeleen adds, “The first thing anyone in business asks for is your email address.” When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, MD Anderson Cancer Center asked her to create a myMDAnderson account, which would store all related information. “They’d have my history, email appointment reminders, everything,” she says. “I didn’t sign up; I regret that. It was convenient.”

Now, Lester is catching up to his grandchildren, Nina uses the computer every day, and Carrie is learning more about nutrition in computer classes supported by Technology For All (TFA). “We’re of an upper generation,” Carrie says, who also uses computers in her Hebrew class and a new accounting job. “There’s a gap, but [TFA Program Specialist] Korey is good at bridging it.” Together, they learn computer skills like email, Internet security, online research and the Microsoft Office suite. “The computer has really enhanced my ability to get stuff done,” Johnnie Mae says.

The students now feel upgraded instead of left behind with this free resource. “This program is very practical, especially to help the upper generation function in the world of technology today,” Carrie says. The students are more comfortable in a world where people bring Blackberries and iPads to church as Bibles. Learning computers was “a lightning bolt” for Lester and his classmates, especially when they watch television and movies. They can understand terminology, follow links and keep up with stories. “I refuse to be left out,” Nina says.

If you’d like to support the ‘upper generation’ closing the digital gap, you can help.

New Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church supports Houston through food pantries, ministry and educational children’s programs. For more information, please call (713) 631-0305 or visit 4301 Weaver Road.