Bridging the Digital Divide in our Community

from ROBEX Q3 2020

Technology Protect Your Remote Work Environment

Bridging the DIVIDE digital in our community.

How The Shore Foundation is helping, and ways you can too.

The simplest description of the digital divide is the gap that exists between people who have access to modern information/technology and those who lack that access. It is not a new concept, but it has been magnified with COVID-19 and the shift to digital learning and remote work expectations. Additionally, as technology becomes more integrated with our day-to-day activities, it also highlights divisions of access, especially for low-income families.

According to the U.S. Census, the majority of city residents (88 percent) have some type of computer, smartphone or wireless device. However, this statistic combines a computer, smartphone or wireless device into the same question. Not all technology is created equal. (Have you ever tried writing a two-page paper on your smartphone?) And oftentimes one device isn’t enough to meet the needs of a family.

Positively impacting lives through meaningful design.

Think of this example: if there is one computer in a household with two adults and two school-age children, that single device has to be shared among the children to do virtual school lessons, a working parent who needs to log in to work from home, and maybe another parent who needs to search for a job online. This is not a rare situation in Rochester. It isn’t enough to have one device in the household. The amount of devices in the household needs to meet the needs of the family.

The Shore Foundation is working hard to help with that need in our community.

Since 2018, The Shore Foundation has distributed more than 800 computers to local non-profits and people in need. The organization was founded by a team of RIT graduates with the mission of empowering communities by enhancing technological access, awareness and ability. This is achieved by receiving, repairing and refurbishing donated laptops and desktop computers. These high-quality computers are then distributed to those in need through relationships with

Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union # 46 244 Paul Road Rochester NY 14624 (585) 254-9151 www.smw46.com

Fabricators and Installers of Metal & Air Systems: HVAC Systems Architectural Metal Work • HVAC Service & Controls Testing & Balancing • Residential, Commercial, Institutional & Industrial

“Quality Craftsmanship through training and high safety standards.” Servicing the Upstate New York Counties of: Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates.

Troy R. Milne – Business Manager Anthony Valenti – Business Agent Josh Solt – President Jonathan R. Perna -- Marketing Representative

The Shore Foundation

is a non-profit organization that provides access to technology for low-income individuals and families in Rochester and the surrounding areas. A Microsoft Certified

Refurbisher and certified e-waste recycler,

The Shore Foundation aims to make a Empowering lives where we live and work

positive impact on technology disparities

and the environment through a unique usceiling.com

computer recycling and refurbishment process. On December 9, 2018, at an event held at The Metropolitan in downtown

Rochester, the organization earned a

Guinness World Record for the most computers donated in 24-hour period – 537.

schools and non-profit agencies, at no cost.

So in the virtual learning environment, we want to make even more impact. Your trusted construction resource since 2001

As we approach the coming year, our goals are to receive 3,000 donated computers and refurbish 1,800 computers to send back out to the community. To multifamily COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL achieve this growth and impact in the community, we Acoustical Ceilings Proud founder of are looking to connect with community-minded people and companies to assist in our efforts. Air Barrier Systems usc aCADEMY Drywall Honored recipient of • Does your company replace your computers 2018 nys carey gabay excellence every few years, and do you want that technology Finished Carentry & innoation award for m/wbes refurbished and given to someone in need? General Trades • Are you interested in volunteering to help Insulation donated computers move quicker through our Metal Stud Framing refurbishment process? Project Mgmt . Interested in a rewarding skilled trades career? Apply online: • Would your company sponsor The Shore Wood Framing

Foundation to offset its operational costs, which usceiling.com include certificates of data destruction and software licenses for each computer through the process? continued on page 36 # GetTonowS www.robex.com Quarter 3 • 2020 — ROBEX 35

Megan Alchowiak, Executive Director, The Shore Foundation If you are looking to help The Shore Foundation efforts to bridge the digital divide to provide more technology and computers to our community, I look forward to talking with you. Contact me at

megan.alchowiak@theshorefoundation.com

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