MILWAUKEE — To The Rebound Milwaukee and Managing the Pressure in this pandemic.
Everything in our lives seems to have gone online.
There are many of us who are less comfortable using computers than others.
The YWCA Southeast Wisconsin is working to help women who feel stuck in these digital deserts.
Ginny Finn, President and CEO of YWCA SEW has seen the effect COVID-19 has had on women in their programs, “Many of the people who don’t have these skills are parents many are single women heads of household.”
That issue was spotlighted back in March, when YWCA worked to quickly move their high school equivalency diploma program online.
One of those students was Bertha Nance who explained, “A year ago I would turn the computer on and get nervous I would get nervous about what I’m doing.”
Now, she turns her computer on with confidence. YWCA was able to find the 61-year-old a brand-new computer through non-profit Digital Bridge.
Nance says, “I use it every day I use it every day now just to get myself into it not that I know a lot but I know more today because of the YWCA.”
These are strategies Nance used to land a job as a certified nursing assistant at a Milwaukee nursing home. More good news, “I just moved into my own apartment for the first time in over two years!”
This is the independence YWCA hopes to give more women in the new year, with the launch of a new digital course. Right now it is is in its pilot phase where women are learning skills they can use at home and in future careers.
Finn adds, “We have to make sure people have access to the internet in their home just like running water and electricity its that fundamental.”
Now they are looking for funders to make sure this program will be available to anyone who needs it.
The organization is currently in a pilot phase, with an official launch date not yet set.
Click here to learn more about other programs offered by YWCA SEW.