Edna Ward had a long and successful career as a Registered Nurse. For most of her career she assembled patients’ medical charts on paper, only moving to digital records toward the end of her employment. Now 71 and retired, Edna realized she needed to upgrade her digital skillset.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many services Edna utilized, including her church, began using digital platforms. She knew that she needed to learn how to use these programs to avoid being left behind.
Goodwill’s Digital Career Accelerator (DCA) gives clients the tools they need to stay up to date on digital trends, teaching everything from computer basics and Smartphone 101 to Microsoft Office certification. Edna attended classes in-person and in just three months learned how to use Microsoft programs, Zoom and Google Suite programs. She is also able to confidently schedule online doctor’s appointments and create presentations by herself.
In addition to its on-site classes, DCA also hosts several free workshops throughout the community, including libraries, senior centers and a mobile bus unit. These classes provide valuable resources to its clients, enabling them to achieve a higher level of independence.
Edna is particularly appreciative of her teacher, George Watson, whom she says has a gift for working with seniors and makes learning fun. “I am learning without fear to use a computer to do the things that are meaningful and essential to me – and I love it!”