Oak Hill Collaborative recently started teaching introduction to computer courses in Girard, Ohio in conjunction with Thrive 10:10, a local nonprofit focused on education empowering recovery, relief and relationships.
On May 15, our digital navigators led a class on how to use, access and create an email account. Then, the class of 14 students partnered up, working together to send emails to each other and our staff.
Many of the emails our staff received expressed appreciation and love for the class. Other emails wished us a good day and mentioned they had enjoyed learning.
One of our favorite emails we received from teaching the email class said, “I really enjoy your class. I’m very excited to learn the aspects of the computer. Sitting at the laptop stations is more fun than using my phone. Thank you so much.”
Another read, “It [has] been my pleasure in meeting you. I really love the class. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
Meghan DeGregory, who works with Thrive 10:10, explained the collaborative efforts between Oak Hill and Thrive 10:10 have shared success.
“The participants that have been going to the Oak Hill computer classes have felt both challenged and encouraged by the instructors. Many came in not knowing anything about computers and had to start with the very basics, whereas others had been working with computers for many years. Both groups said that they left having learned something that they had not known, and there is something to be said for connecting in a group environment and learning something new together,” DeGregory said. “One of the great joys for me with this class is hearing the laughter that comes from the room! One would not think that learning computer skills would be a lot of fun, but you can tell that the instructors make it both fun and engaging. That is key and we are so grateful to have you as a part of [Thrive 10:10’s] programming.”
Thrive 10:10 invited members of Oak Hill Collaborative to a graduation ceremony for its Getting Ahead Program on May 16. Graduates completed a 16-week workshop and learned about important resources to help those struggling financially or in rough social situations through Thrive 10:10.
DeGregory said the graduation meant a lot for the community.
“We are thrilled to watch the growth of these folks. So many times we neglect to give acknowledgment to the gifts and talents that we already have. We feel as though if we do not have money or what this world deems as valuable, we are not valuable. The beautiful thing about this Getting Ahead class is that it teaches about financial resources and the importance of being a good steward of whatever it is that you do have, but it also teaches you that you are more valuable than what you have in your pocket,” DeGregory said.
Thrive 10:10 also offers Mental Health First Aid Aid classes which allow participants to see they aren’t alone and allows them to develop an understanding of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as the ability to intervene when they or someone they care about is experiencing these. Visit Thrive 10:10’s website at thriveneighbors.org for more information.
We were thrilled to attend and remain thankful to be a part of such a wonderful learning and teaching experience, and can’t wait to see what’s next for both our students at Thrive 10:10 and their own!
Oak Hill’s next class at Thrive 10:10 is scheduled for 3 p.m. on May 22, and will be an introduction to Microsoft Word.
This week in Youngstown was popular with one-on-one opportunities for students. One-on-one’s are held at our main location at 507 Oak Hill Avenue.
These classes must be scheduled in advance, but allow students to focus on specific digital learning activities beyond our monthly curriculums.
If interested in scheduling a one-on-one with a digital navigator, email us at oakhillcollaborative.org or call us at (330)-406-0731.
