Institute Students Provide Tech Empowerment for Seniors at Fifty Forward
2 Seniors pose with Blake Botzum, Institute for GOD student volunteer at 50 Forward, after resolving laptop issuees!
As a student at The Institute, I have spent the last five years dedicated to serving our community through various ministry initiatives. One of the highlights of my college experience has been our commitment to service, particularly through our weekly projects aimed at supporting the elderly in Nashville.
Recently, my journey of service led me to an exceptional organization called Fifty Forward. Here, I have been offering technical assistance to seniors, which has been an incredibly rewarding part of my ministry work. Witnessing the positive impact week after week truly underscores the value of service-oriented education at Bible colleges.
Gabby Lasater on site at Fifty Foward during her weekly ministry projects.
Fifty Forward serves as a recreational center for individuals aged 50 and over. The center provides various services, including social gatherings and technological assistance—areas where my peers and I from the Institute for G.O.D. International have been actively involved. Every Wednesday, we help seniors with everything from accessing their emails to setting up printers. It's been a joy to build relationships with regular attendees and see their confidence with technology grow.
Our involvement goes beyond just technological help; it's about ensuring the safety and dignity of our seniors. The elderly are unfortunately prime targets for online scams due to their unfamiliarity with digital technology. Through our efforts, we educate and empower them to navigate the online world safely, treating them with the respect and value they deserve.
Institute for GOD Student Volunteers assist Seniors with Tech help at 50 Forward.
Many seniors initially find technology daunting and assume it's something beyond their grasp. However, our consistent support and teaching at Fifty Forward have helped change this mindset. The seniors' growing confidence in using digital tools is evident, as they are keen to show off their new skills during our sessions.
As a digital native, I feel a deep responsibility to pass on this knowledge. Teaching technology to the elderly is akin to teaching a new language, but once they are empowered, they can navigate the technological landscape much more safely. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and honor the elderly in this meaningful way, reflecting the core values of service and ministry at our Nashville-based Bible and Christian college.
