Free Technology Assistance to Increase Across Sullivan County with $500,000 ConnectALL Grant

The Westchester Library System (WLS) has been awarded $500,000 through Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Office to expand the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley (DNHV) program, bringing free technology assistance to more residents throughout nine counties in the Hudson Valley Region.

The project will recruit, train and deploy Digital Navigators, or trained tech assistants, in libraries and community-based organizations to increase access to free technology assistance for residents. The program will also offer digital literacy workshops and information sessions and connect individuals with free and reduced-cost technology.

In Sullivan County, the DNHV program is currently offered at Jeffersonville-Western Sullivan Public Library, Livingston Manor Free Library and Western Sullivan Public Library. Residents can make an appointment for dedicated one-on-one time with a trained Digital Navigator to learn basic computer skills, receive assistance with a device, get connected to low-cost internet options and much more, including:

•Find ways to purchase low-cost phones or computers

•Find resources for housing and submit online applications

•Manage healthcare, including: telehealth visits, patient portals, and other information

•Locate food resources

•Make a resume and fill out online job applications

•Make video calls with family and friends

•Connect with public information like local government meetings

•Apply for services and benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, and more

•Access educational services, such as remote learning opportunities or connecting to a child's school portal

•Deal with daily life tasks such as online grocery shopping or paying bills

As the project’s lead financial partner and grant administrator, WLS will collaborate with Southeastern New York Library Resources Council (Southeastern), which leads the DNHV initiative, along with the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) and Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), allowing the initiative to reach public libraries and communities across Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.

“The Westchester Library System is honored to steward this important investment in digital equity,” said Terry Kirchner, executive director of WLS. “This project exemplifies the power of regional collaboration, and by working alongside our partner library systems, we can expand Digital Navigator services, strengthen digital literacy across the Hudson Valley and ensure libraries continue to thrive.”

"Libraries have always been trusted places for learning, and today that includes helping people navigate an ever-evolving digital world," said Carolyn Bennett Glauda of Southeastern and the Digital Navigator Ambassador. "Whether someone needs help applying for a job, accessing healthcare online, or simply learning how to use the settings on a device that doesn’t come with a manual, our Digital Navigators provide patient, personalized guidance. This funding will allow us to expand those services so even more Hudson Valley residents can access the technology skills and support they need to succeed."

Building on New York State’s continued investment as one of the only in the nation to expand digital equity following the loss of comparable federal funding, the expansion of the DNHV service aims to support low-income households and older adults in overcoming key barriers identified in the New York State Digital Equity Plan:

·Assisting the 29% of New Yorkers who need professional device support because they cannot fix a device or do not have family or friends to help them.

·Supporting New Yorkers with low confidence in digital literacy, including 23% of older adults and 20% of low-income households.

·Supporting the 87% of New Yorkers who are concerned about online safety.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Access to technology is essential, but true digital equity also means ensuring New Yorkers have the skills and support to use it confidently. Through this $500,000 ConnectALL investment, trusted libraries and community organizations will help more Hudson Valley residents access vital services, pursue employment opportunities and fully participate in today’s digital economy.”

As the lead financial partner, WLS is also coordinating the local investments needed to support the project alongside the ConnectALL grant, working with regional philanthropic partners to help ensure Hudson Valley Connected reaches all communities throughout the region.

To learn more about the Digital Navigator program or find a library near you offering these services, visit https://hvconnected.org/.