SAIL Program

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Verizon Foundation Sponsors SAIL Program
SAIL (Seniors Accessing the Internet Lifeline) is an innovative technology program for our residents. We received a $7550 technology grant from the Verizon Foundation in November 2005, marking the fifth anniversary of the program. Patricia G. Tapley, Senior Specialist - Regulatory Affairs at Verizon, presented the check to Julie Richard, former Health Centre Administrator, Christopher Strukus, Chair of the Board; and Christine-Noell Tremblay, grant writer and the coordinator of the SAIL program.

This is the second grant from Verizon for the SAIL program, which was founded by Christine-Noell Tremblay. The first grant, of $4000 was awarded in 2000, helped establish the program by providing funds to purchase computers and software.

The SAIL Cyber Centre offers our residents daily opportunities to use the latest technology, becoming adept at skills that many think can only be mastered by the younger generation. Even though many of the participants are 80 or older, SAIL allows them to communicate with friends and family via email; continue their interest in lifelong learning; research anticipated medical procedures; experience virtual tours of places all over the globe that they thought they would never see; proudly create and share greeting cards with others at Mount St. Rita; and surf the Internet for facts and figures. Or as one resident said simply, “for just plain fun!”

Besides providing access to the outside world through technology, the SAIL program has give our residents a chance to develop new relationships and interact with people of all ages, especially the volunteers who are drawn from the surrounding communities, and range from elementary school students to senior citizens. The program also promotes collaborative learning as residents proudly share their newly acquired skills.

The $7550 grant provided for upgrading the SAIL computer technology by acquiring new computers, software and expanding to broadband internet access.

“I don’t know what I would do without it,” said one resident

The SAIL program contributes to the overall quality of life for our residents. They experience a great sense of achievement and increased self esteem, overcoming the challenges of computers and learning new skills. “The new computers are more than just a technology upgrade. They represent life, excitement, inspiration, and the chance to learn and grow, for residents, and staff as well,” observed a SAIL volunteer.

Volunteers and additional sponsors are needed to maintain this innovative program. Anyone interested in sharing computer skills, becoming a SAIL Program or web site sponsor, please call 401-333-6352.

Presenting a $7550 check from Verizon for Mount St. Rita Health Centre’s SAIL Program, was Patricia G. Tapley, Senior Specialist - Regulatory Affairs at Verizon, second from the left in the back row. Accepting the check were back row, left to right, Christopher Strukus, Chair of the Health Centre Board of Directors; Christine-Noell Tremblay, grant writer and coordinator of the SAIL program; and Julie Richard, former Administrator. Also attending were SAIL participants, front row, Joannes Griffin, RSM; and Dorothy Keough.