Building the PineRidge Neighborhood Network Center

As a first step, Ms. Jacques and Dr. Lazarus ensured that the company responsible for the structural plan of a proposed HUD 202 senior housing building (PineRidge of Montclair) would make the building computer capable. Next, Dr. Lazarus initiated dialogue between Ms. Jacques, the CCBL Service Learning staff, and members from CCBL community partner agencies such as, Technology, Education, Access, and Mentoring (TEAM) and the United Way of Essex. The group established plans for the programming of an intergenerational computer learning center incorporating MSU Service Learning courses. As an outcome of this confluence of circumstances and collaborative efforts, the final MSU COPC proposal, submitted to HUD in 2001, included the building of a Neighborhood Network Center at PineRidge of Montclair within the issue area of Urban Education. The proposal would be selected for funding in October 2001, to the delight of the planning group.

Montclair seniors had clearly expressed great interest in an intergenerational program to forge strong relationships among community residents, while COPC partners envisioned the center as a warm and inviting community environment where community members could overcome the societal barriers limiting their computer and Internet access. Grounded in the history and experience of the TEAM Computer Learning Center model, the project was developed to provide an opportunity for residents to become proficient in basic computer and Internet skills with the goal of increasing resident independence, civic engagement, and economic self-reliance. Moreover, this multigenerational interaction would facilitate a cohesive community with citizens working together to broaden knowledge about the practical benefits of using computers. Under the plan, MSU students would gain awareness of the issues regarding social disparities in technological access, while personally engaging in the Montclair community as tutors assisting senior residents in the use of computers as a tool.

PineRidge of Montclair was opened during the second year of the COPC grant. Upon its inception, TEAM wired the community room providing computer and Internet access. Throughout the second and third years of the COPC grant, Bucky Schnarr of TEAM and Sonja Craig, Housing Administrator of PineRidge, worked together to install five computer workstations with access to a printer and the Internet. Ms. Craig documented resident interests and computing needs around which Mr. Schnarr structured a series of training workshops for residents. Additionally, PineRidge, TEAM, COPC, and MSU’s Service-Learning program collaborated in the construction of activities for Service Learning students enrolled in MSU’s Multicultural America course taught by Dr. Kenneth Brook. In the course, MSU students engage in computer based activities with residents to assess skills and determine future intergenerational programming activities. In other Service Learning courses, first year MSU students enrolled in the Freshman Leadership Program serve as computer tutors employing curriculum for children and adults provided by National Urban Technology Center.

In collaboration with MSU Service Learning students, TEAM trained PineRidge residents in the use of computer and Internet technology. COPC funding has enabled MSU Service Learning faculty and students to serve as catalysts in the process of community-based technological advancement, helping to launch the burgeoning Neighborhood Network Center in a successful and sustainable direction. Such activities have encouraged both multigenerational interaction and sharing among community residents of all age groups. Most recently, TEAM, PineRidge and the CCBL have partnered in the creation of two Cooperative Education internship positions, Outreach Coordinator and Activities Coordinator, to support seniors in United Methodist Homes throughout New Jersey.