The South Florida Institute on Aging (SoFIA) has announced plans to expand its offices at 2038 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, to include a new Tech Lab and Connection (TLC) Center for older adults in Broward County. The new center will open this July. With funding from The Jim Moran Foundation, the TLC Center will offer computer classes for older adults, useful workshops on a variety of technology-related subjects and individual assistance through an “IT Help Desk,” to support students and graduates of SoFIA’s Tech Services (STS) courses.
“This is the second year that The Jim Moran Foundation has generously supported SoFIA and our community technology training programs for older adults,” said Peter Kaldes, President and CEO of the South Florida Institute on Aging. “Thanks to donor funding in 2018, we launched the STS program with great success and in 2019 we are working hard to expand our services and course offerings to the more than 200 people who are currently waitlisted and seeking the opportunity to improve their digital literacy skills.”
Last year, The Jim Moran Foundation provided funding that helped SoFIA introduce a national program designed by Older Adults Technology Services of New York to South Florida’s older population. The free technology training program has garnered tremendous interest from South Florida’s 60+ demographic. Courses currently offered to older adults include Internet Basics, Internet Beyond the Basics and Money Matters at locations in Hollywood, Hallandale, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Pompano and Palm Beach. The classes teach the aging population practical and enriching computer skills for life-management, socialization and entertainment that range from how to send and receive email and search the internet, to social networking and accessing online financial, health, transportation and housing services.
In addition to helping fund programming at the TLC Center, the grant will allow SoFIA Tech Services to expand their small group assistance classes to locations beyond where they are currently offered and will also support topic-specific workshops throughout the community several times a year. These workshops will address online safety, iPhone, Android and Kindle usage, connections for community activities and socialization, cost-saving applications, brain games, and more.
“Graduates of our program have shown a 94 percent improvement in the quality of their life, an 87 percent increase in their connections to friends and family and all reported feeling comfortable using a computer,” noted Kaldes. “The Jim Moran Foundation is a shining light in our community that understands the importance of this program to so many lives.”
SoFIA’s mission is to improve economic and social insights and services to empower people as they age. Visit www.theSoFIA.org for more information.
About SoFIA
A non-profit think and act tank, the South Florida Institute on Aging (SoFIA) creates planning and development strategies to deliver socio-economic support programs for South Florida seniors that can also serve as a model for other communities with aging populations. For more than 50 years, SoFIA has provided innovative services tailored to meet seniors’ caregiving and respite, civic engagement and economic security needs. In 2018, SoFIA’s 500 experienced senior volunteers provided over a quarter of a million hours to serve nearly 2,000 residents including: veterans who received the mentoring of fellow veterans; seniors, disabled adults and caregivers who were enabled to live independently through caregiving and companionship programs; children in underserved communities that saw a 90 percent improvement in literacy skills through the Foster Grandparent program; and other non-profits that benefitted from experienced consultants. Visit www.theSoFIA.org for more information.
About The Jim Moran Foundation
Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested more than $120 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 – with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. It is located at 100 Jim Moran Blvd., Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33442. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call (954) 429-2122.