05/01/2026
"I was fired from my job because I didn't know how to use a computer. As I was trying to learn it, they said I was too slow...I created an entire document and didn't know how to save it and lost everything. They said I needed to have the skills already. But how am I supposed to know how to use a computer if I don't have one? And how am I supposed to afford a computer if all the jobs require you to know how to use one? I just don't know how to use it."
Yesterday on April 28th, one of our WestNGN team went to Spring Creek Community Center to hold a Pass to Earn a Laptop Event. Savanah drove an hour into Madison County on a winding highway called the 'Rattler', a well-known biker destination, losing cell signal often and concerned how spotty signal and limited access is affecting the residents every day. Spring Creek Community Center is a beautiful, newly renovated building holding several community businesses, a food pantry, business center, gym event space, and well documented history of local families who came together to make Spring Creek the resource hub it is today.
29 people attended, most locals in the rural area. 21 folks left grateful, relieved and excited with a laptop. 8 people left motivated to learn computer skills. Most planning to come back for WestNGN's Basic Computer Skills classes on Tuesdays at Spring Creek Community Center from 2:00pm - 3:30pm for the next 6 weeks.
One participant shared their story above. This person came determined and tried their best to pass the assessments but did not know the answers and could not hold back tears. Their frustration and hopelessness around not having computer skills is heartbreakingly common. Many in Western North Carolina suffer because they do not have basic technology skills. People who want to learn, better their income opportunities, connections to family, telehealth and overall quality of life.
Everyone deserves access to digital tools. This is the work, connecting people to digital opportunities.
