New lab helps people get online

If you're reading this, you probably have access to a computer or the internet on a regular basis.

However,  there's a wide section of our population that doesn't have the tools to get online.  Now a brand new facility in our area is changing that and it's part of "What's Right with Tampa Bay."

Ralph Smith is the executive director of the computer mentoring program.

"You are at the Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center the computer mentors computer lab that we just opened up on June the 25th," he said, as he showed off the new facility.

Within just a few weeks of opening, this new addition to the computer mentoring program has attracted nearly 100 new users—people like 50-year-old Cassandra Brown.

"In August, I will be attending HCC for computer administration.  I have family members that do not know anything about a computer, I don't know anything about a computer but filling out food stamp applications so I want to learn for myself to do something for myself," Cassandra said.

Her friend Sonia joined her so that she could use the computers to access government and health services, with the help of the experienced volunteers.

"I don't know too much about the computer and coming here, they help you do it," Sonia said.

It's help that a large segment of our community is lacking.

"We still have 30 percent of low income people that do not computer or internet at home."

However, now they can make themselves at home here at their very own neighborhood computer lab.

As you know, libraries also have free computer access, but there's often a time limit on how long you can stay on the computer and there's not always enough staff to help you navigate it and that's where this program really comes in handy.