HISTORY
In 1999, the Family Connections
Collaborative for Upson County known as FYCA (Families, Youth And Children’s
Alliance) received state funding to open a community computer lab for the
citizens of Thomaston-Upson County. This was a collaborative, cooperative
effort with Department of Family and Children’s Services, Public Health
Department, local school system, local recreation department, local cable
company and FYCA. Initial funding provided for purchase and installation of
20 computer workstations, networking and software purchases at the local
recreation department’s community Civic Center. The lab was established in
2000 to assist citizens who were receiving TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy
Families) funds to receive computer skills training and work skills
training. The lab also offered computer and Internet access to individuals
and families who lacked technology access in their homes. TANF funds were
used for establishment and staffing of lab for 12 months. During the first
twelve months lab was open 6 days a week and 8 hours per day. TANF
recipients as well as the general public were able to attend classes such as
Basic Skills Training, Exploring the Internet, Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Basic Troubleshooting, Working with Digital Cameras, Publisher, Resume
Skills and Interview Skills. Lab had open lab times where individuals could
do job searches, work on research, and school projects.
At the conclusion of the initial
establishment funding, FYCA secured grants for the lab through CYCC
(Children Youth Coordinating Council) and Family Connection Funds. An
emphasis was then directed to strengthen families and youth through after
school programs and technology development. Upon review and evaluation and
as a need to be cost efficient, lab daily hours were adjusted. Lab has been
available Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am to Noon and Monday-Thursday from 4:00
pm to 8:00 pm. The grants secured for the past several years covered the
cost of instructor during the 28-hour workweek Instructors offered
classes as in the charter year (basic skills, Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Exploring Internet, etc) and open lab time for individual work. Classes
have always been free of charge and are offered in mornings and evenings to
accommodate the public’s work schedules and for student access. Through the
past seven years, the community computer lab has offered an average of 12-15
classes per month and 300-400 attendees per month.
The lab has been able to serve recent
displaced workers from local business closings (Thomaston Mills & Yamaha).
The lab has offered training opportunities as well as computer and
technology resources for these displaced workers. Specific classes have
been requested and provided for workers with special needs. A cooperative
program with ULMS and with Triune Mill Housing Authority has made the lab
available to less fortunate students who may not have computer and Internet
access in the home. Lab supports students who need to do research for
papers, science projects and other homework assignments.
In 2006, FYCA received funding from
Community Enterprises to upgrade computer systems. With this grant, 21 Dell
1100 systems were purchased. Each system has 17” monitor, 2.53 GHz,
processor, 256 MB RAM, 80 GB hard Drive, 48X CD-RW drive, Window XP
Professional operating system and Office package. Lab has two color
inkjet printers and one laser printer, and one scanner. Also has a
projector for teaching purposes.
Funding for staff (instructors) has
been provided by CYCC and FYCA grants.
In December 2007, Quad Graphics made a
$25,000 contribution that will staff the lab for another year.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The lab is housed in the Recreation
Department. The Recreation Department has and will provide the site for
lab, general cleaning and monitoring of lab. Recreation Department also
supervises lab staff and provides leadership for development of curriculum.
Charter Communications provides Internet services for
the lab.
FYCA provides overall management of Computer Lab as it
is a part of its Annual Operating Plan.
Staff provides maintenance of computer systems.
Lab open approximately 28 hours per week.
FUTURE
The computer lab is a community resource that FYCA very
much would like to continue to provide for our families, students and
business community. The lab has the potential to modify and adjust to meet
new challenges and new populations. Dependent upon funding: hours of
operation can be modified. New classes can be offered.
