Bridging the Digital Divide for Seniors in the Mahoning Valley

Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar

In recent years, technology has become a critical part of daily life, especially for seniors who find themselves navigating a changing world filled with digital demands. In the Mahoning Valley, many older adults are grappling with the overwhelming landscape of apps, online portals, and electronic communication. This article delves into the challenges faced by seniors in this region, highlighting the dedicated efforts of local organizations committed to bridging the digital divide.

The Challenge of Technology for Seniors

Mick Kundus, a 66-year-old from Champion, reflects a sentiment shared by many older adults. While he can manage basic tasks like texting and emailing, more complicated aspects such as app downloads and online medical portals induce frustration. “Ugh! I detest these so much!” he confesses, expressing how the need to constantly manage passwords and navigate complex interfaces can feel like a burden.

For many seniors, accessing essential services like healthcare, banking, and government assistance is increasingly dependent on technology. For those who did not grow up with computers or smartphones, this shift can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety. As Kundus notes, even accessing medical information through MyChart became so aggravating that he considered forgoing treatment altogether rather than confronting the portal again.

Local Initiatives to Support Technological Skills

In response to the frustrations many seniors face, a growing network of organizations in the Mahoning Valley is dedicated to providing essential tech training and support.

Family Tech Connect LLC

Located at 4237 Oak Knoll Drive in Youngstown, Family Tech Connect LLC was born out of the desire to provide personalized technology assistance directly to seniors. Brothers Vince and Lucas Bevacqua, who launched the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, understand the unique challenges older adults face. Their mission is clear: to empower seniors through individualized support.

The organization offers free in-home coaching, ensuring seniors receive hands-on help with a variety of tasks, from setting up smartphones and tablets to navigating telehealth portals. “Apps can turn your device into a portal for family visits,” Vince Bevacqua explains. “But many seniors find them confusing.” By simplifying the process, they help seniors connect with loved ones and access essential services more comfortably.

SCOPE Senior Services

In nearby Warren, SCOPE Senior Services stands out for its commitment to technology training. Led by Executive Director Mike Wilson, the organization was recently recognized nationally for its exemplary programming. “These aren’t luxuries anymore,” Wilson emphasizes, highlighting the essential nature of technology access. The organization provides one-on-one instruction, group workshops, and targeted support to help seniors learn basic digital skills as well as how to protect themselves online.

IT Director Kevin Weber, a patient and dedicated educator, often makes house calls to assist homebound seniors. The organization focuses not just on technical skills but also on cybersecurity education—helping seniors identify scams and protect themselves from potential fraud. As Wilson notes, “Technology should work for people — not scare them away.”

Oak Hill Collaborative

On the South Side of Youngstown, Oak Hill Collaborative addresses both access and education about technology. The nonprofit offers a range of free courses designed to empower seniors with essential skills. From typing and email basics to understanding online safety and telehealth navigation, the program aims to demystify technology for older adults.

Assistant Director Sarah Russell points out the importance of teaching seniors about artificial intelligence, stating, “We want people to understand it, not fear it.” Through its Hardware for Homes program, seniors can receive free laptops upon completing courses, further ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

Real Stories of Transformation

For seniors like Lillie Rogers, 62, attending classes at Oak Hill Collaborative has been life-changing. With goals of keeping up with her grandchildren via texts and Zoom, she initially felt overwhelmed. “I didn’t have the phone skills to do that,” she admits. Through classes, she learned to navigate her device, gaining confidence and discovering additional skills in programs like Excel and Photoshop.

Stacy Barlow, 61, found herself in a similar situation after losing her husband, who had managed all their digital tasks. Now attending classes at the Oak Hill Collaborative, she is determined to gain control over her digital life. “I know I need to learn,” she shares, embodying the resilience and determination many seniors display in the face of modern challenges.

Turning Barriers into Bridges

While technology may be a source of frustration for some seniors like Mick Kundus, local initiatives are making a difference in addressing their needs. By delivering personalized instruction, support, and affordable access, organizations such as Family Tech Connect, SCOPE, and Oak Hill Collaborative are proving that the digital divide can indeed be bridged.

For many seniors, touching a smartphone or logging into a medical portal may feel daunting. Yet, with patience, understanding, and community support, the world of technology can transform from a barrier into a powerful tool for connection and independence.