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. 

QUAD GRAPHICS DONATES $25,000 FOR COMMUNITY COMPUTER LAB OPERATIONS!!!

On December 11, 2007, Barbara Tyson (The Rock Plant Manager Quad Graphics) presented a check for $25,000 to FYCA for computer lab operations.  Pictured with Barbara are Mindy Daniel (Vice Chair of FYCA),  Patsy Perdue (Chair of FYCA) and Wendy Chambley (FYCA Coordinator). 

FYCA (Family, Youth and Children’s Alliance) is Family Connections Collaborative for Upson County.  This collaborative works with multiple service agencies to provide educational and service programs for families in Upson County.   

Quad Graphics is great community partner who works with the local collaborative, local chamber and school systems in support of education and training programs.