02/21/17
Editorial Insights
GoodTogether

Community Tech Center Gets Revitalization, Thanks to Ohio Businesses

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Columbus, OH February 21, 2017Connect Ohio, Franklin Computer Services Group, YP, York Risk Services Group and Sage Sustainable Electronics, have banded together to revitalize the Darbyville Community Technology Center.

The Center has been owned and operated by the Darbyville Village Council since November 2011. Originally opened in 2008 through a grant from USDA and Horizon Telecom, Inc., the Center provides computers, internet access, desktop publishing software, printing, copying, faxing and WiFi. Most community users have no home access to information technology. They depend on the Center to provide a link to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and connection to friends and family. It is also a community meeting place, providing space for social connection and dialogue, as well as after-school programs.

Sadly, the Center was forced to close in 2015 due to lack of resources to maintain its machines, most of which had crashed or were severely outdated. Without funding or IT knowledge, the Center closed, leaving a serious access gap in the community.

“We are right in the middle of the school district,” said Darbyville Major Philip Tramel. “Kids and adults come to the Center from Darbyville and Ashville. Adults come in to do their taxes, they perform job searches. We’ve been asked for the last 5-6 months why the Center isn’t open.”

Responding to the need, Stu Johnson of Connect Ohio made the introduction between Sage and the Center. Through its GoodTogether program – which facilitates the donation of technology to organizations in need – Sage then approached several of its business clients to donate; Franklin Computer Services, YP and York Risk Services Group were the first to step in and help, with additional donations provided by Sage directly.

The donated equipment included 15 core i5 Desktops; a 24 port switch; 2 UPS devices; an LCD monitor; and a firewall. Sage and Franklin Computer Services Group also donated their time and IT expertise to get the Center up and running again.

"Having access to the Internet and technology is vital in today’s digital world,” said Stu Johnson, Executive Director, Connect Ohio and Vice President, Connected Nation. "Connect Ohio is privileged to help the Darbyville community continue to be connected and have access through the tech center.”

“We are so pleased to support such a worthy effort. The mission of the Sage GoodTogether® program is to provide that linkage between corporate America and the not for profit organizations supporting our communities,” said Bill Waas Executive Director, GoodTogether®.

“The support from these companies means so much to the community,” said Mayor Tramel. “Thanks to their contributions, our kids who have no access to home computers or internet can come to the Center and do their homework. Senior citizens can come and learn how to use a computer. We are very excited about this opportunity.” 

The new and improved Darbyville Technology Center will reopen on Tuesday February 21, 2017 @ 3:00 pm, under the daily supervision of Tom and Joyce Leffel, community volunteers who have been instrumental in its re-opening. The Center's normal hours will be Monday - Thursday from 3 - 7pm. The Pickaway County Library will be offering Technology Classes at the Center; sign up will be through the Pickaway County Library.

 

About Darbyville Community Technology Center

The Darbyville Community Technology Center opened on November 19, 2008, providing the community with much needed access to interconnected computer systems, desktop publishing software, high speed internet, Wi-Fi wireless connection, printing, copying and faxing. Computer classes, book clubs and tutoring were also offered to community members. The DCTC is staffed entirely through the hard work of volunteers, but maintenance and necessary upgrades the Center’s machines have led to repeated funding shortfalls over the years. Sadly, the Center in 2015 closed due to the loss of firewall hardware. However, the Center will reopen in 2017, thanks to the generosity of several Ohio businesses.

About Sage Sustainable Electronics 

Sage’s mission is to make the world more sustainable by extending the life of electronics. Sage provides IT lifecycle services to businesses large and small, helping them reduce data security risks and operational costs, and increase asset value. Through strategic asset management programs for technology redeployment, donation, resale, lease return, employee purchase, and recycling, Sage creates multi-stakeholder benefits to businesses nationwide. The Sage GoodTogether® Program supports corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by redirecting a portion of enterprise surplus technology to benefit a variety of social services, and reduce digital exclusion among low income Americans. For more information, call 844-4SAGESE or visit www.sageSE.com, www.SageGoodTogether.com, and shop.sageSE.com.
http://www.sagese.com/newsroom/community-tech-center-gets-revitalization-thanks-to-ohio-businesses
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