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New computer lab improves community access to technology
Tanaya Belk, 4, and her sister, Airiona Belk, 11, check out the Nickelodeon Web site. Photo: NANCY J. PARISI
UB and Buffalo Common Council Member Bonnie E. Russell powered up 10 computer terminals at New Testament Revival Cathedral on Buffalo’s East Side today as part of a joint effort to provide much-needed computing resources for families in the neighborhood.
The computers, complete with software, make up the new Phoenix Community Computer Lab in the church, which is now open to members of the community. The computers are on loan from UB and Russell provided $3,500 to the computer lab to cover equipment maintenance and purchase of additional computers.
“UB is dedicated to the advancement of our surrounding communities,” said Marsha S. Henderson, vice president for external affairs. “The development of this community computer site, in partnership with Council Member Russell, is consistent with our institutional goals and the needs of the community.”
Neighborhood residents were on hand to try out the new computers during an open house at the church, located at 987 Kensington Ave.
“I am pleased to help New Testament Revival Cathedral with funding sources needed to open their brand new computer lab,” said Russell. “Working with UB in a joint effort to make this endeavor possible has been a rewarding experience. I look forward to future collaborations with UB.”
UB officials and Russell selected New Testament Revival Cathedral as the site for the computers as part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality of life and build better relationships with community members who reside near UB’s South Campus. New Testament has a well-established track record as a multi-purpose community center and sponsor of numerous community outreach programs, including government food distribution, maintaining a food pantry, youth programs and activities to help strengthen the families.
Not all parts of the Greater Buffalo community have easy access to computer technology, Henderson noted, adding that UB has helped to meet demand by providing public access to computers in its on-campus libraries.
Unfortunately, UB’s ability to provide on-campus computing resources for neighborhood residents cannot keep pace with the community’s needs.
In response, the university has developed a plan that calls for working within neighborhood “hubs,” including community centers and churches, to build computing capacity and meet the demand for technology. This effort initially will focus on neighborhoods closest to the UB South and Downtown campuses.
UB IT’s computer services department provided volunteer technical support for the new community computer lab.
“These computers will give neighborhood residents an opportunity to connect with friends and family, access vast sources of information and develop their skills as they try to compete in the new 21st-century economy,” said Kandice Drayton, computer-site coordinator.
The university, through its UB 2020 plan, hopes to serve as a catalyst for the emerging science and technology-based economy in Buffalo, said Henderson. “Creation of community computer labs is critical for the development of skills that will help Buffalo residents contribute to and benefit from this new economy,” she said.
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