Louisiana Center Opening Fills Community Technology Void

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Gretna, LA—The 17,500 residents of Gretna, Louisiana, are proud of their "small city with a big heart." Located less than six miles south of New Orleans, Gretna is the hometown of Major League Baseball player and power hitter Mel Ott and singer Frankie Ford, who is best known for his 1959 mega hit "Sea Cruise." The city also hosts the three-day Gretna Heritage Festival, one of the top 20 regional events that offers big-name entertainment, carnival rides, and crafts.

With the grand opening of the Jefferson Community Action Program (JeffCAP) Community Center, Gretna has one more community feature about which to boast.

Ready and Set from the Get-Go

While many new Neighborhood Networks centers require a little time to hit their stride, the strong professional network of Center Director Clara T. Byes, Ph.D., enabled the JeffCAP Community Center to deliver the programs and services that she felt were vital to community development from the moment the center opened its doors. When opening the center, one of Dr. Byes' first calls was to Gretna Councilman Chris Roberts with whom she has worked on several projects over the past 12 years.

"Councilman Roberts asked me what the greatest need of the community was," reported Dr. Byes. "I told him that we needed a computer lab with new computers. He must have agreed because he used funds from the Community Development program, a federal program for low- and moderate-income communities to purchase 15 Dell computers with flat-screen monitors, four printers, 20 computer chairs, and 10 tables that seat two persons per table. He also has requested two projectors for PowerPoint presentations that we expect to receive soon."

Tapping Into Unlimited Potential

With the center equipment secured, Dr. Byes focused her attention on developing worthwhile programs that would help residents and community members achieve their goals. To accomplish this, Dr. Byes turned to Tracie King, the Microsoft grant coordinator for the Delgado Community College's workforce and development education division.

King manages the college's Microsoft Unlimited Potential Computer Training program. Established with the help of a grant awarded by the Microsoft Corporation, the Unlimited Potential Computer Training program strives to teach greater New Orleans region residents with basic computer skills to survive and thrive in the post-Katrina economy.

The Unlimited Potential Community Learning curriculum provides the foundation for hands-on teaching of basic to intermediate technology skills. Designed for use in community technology centers or telecenters, the curriculum provides quality content focused on real-world skill development in the areas of:

	Beginning information technology and computer literacy.
	Information and communications technologies.
	Workforce development and preliminary technical certification preparation.

"At the JeffCAP Community Center, we offer five courses through the Unlimited Potential Computer training program. These include: computer basics, Internet use, productivity, computer security and privacy, and digital lifestyle," explained Dr. Byes. "Tracie teaches all of the courses that are filling a technology void that existed in the community."

Welcome to the Community

On February 17, 2009, the JeffCAP Community Center hosted a grand opening ceremony. Held at the center, which is part of the Gretna Community Center, the event was attended by Council Member-at-Large John Young; Director of Jefferson Parish Community Development Program Anatola Thompson; Public Relations Manager for Jefferson Parish Community Development Program Sevilla Finley; JeffCAP's Elaine O'Connor; and members of the clergy Reverend Walter Jackson and Reverend Orin Grant; center partners; and residents.

Dr. Byes served as the mistress of ceremonies, and Jackie Henry, a well-known center and community volunteer and motivational speaker delivered the welcoming address. After JeffCAP Director Nicole Ferrier greeted attendees, Gretna Mayor Ronnie Harris spoke.

Mayor Harris commended Dr. Byes for her diligence in serving as an advocate for community members, and for being unafraid to ask for what she needs. He praised Dr. Byes' determination, and encouraged her to continue her work because by helping community members, she is building a stronger Gretna. Councilman Roberts also spoke at the ceremony. He thanked Dr. Byes and center staff for helping to educate not only residents, but also his constituents who need to be proficient in computer use to get a job.

Councilman Roberts emphasized the importance of knowing technology in a technology-driven society and workforce, and said he was excited about the opportunities the new center will offer community members.

King also commented briefly on each course offered at the JeffCAP Community Center. She described how technology has advanced over the years, and explained why being computer literate is so important today, especially in getting and maintaining a job and advancing one's career. King encouraged residents not to be afraid of the computer, but to use it to their advantage.

After concluding the ceremony with a prayer for the new computer lab by Dr. James Swatt, pastor of center partner Philadelphia Christian Church, officials, volunteers, staff, and guests participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and were treated to a tour of the computer center and refreshments.

"The residents who attended the grand opening were able to use the computers right then and there," concluded Dr. Byes. "You might say they were just a little excited about the lab and were eager to start using it."

For more information about Neighborhood Networks centers in Louisiana, contact:

Linda V. Jarrell
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Shreveport Multifamily Program Center
401 Edwards Street, Suite 1510
Shreveport, LA 71101-5513
(318) 226-7072

For more information about the JeffCAP Community Center, contact:

Dr. Clara Byes
Center Director
JeffCAP Community Center
P.O. Box 3249
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 376-2130