Dartmouth Square’s Wishes Are Granted

06/14/2005

Inkster, Michigan—Many Neighborhood Networks centers rely on generous donations to offer programs for residents. A computer here. A printer there. A few hours of volunteered time and expertise. Or, a $24,000 mobile computer lab delivered right to your door. The Dartmouth Square Neighborhood Networks Center in Inkster, Michigan, received this generous contribution through a grant from the Beaumont Foundation of America. The mobile computer lab consists of 10 Toshiba laptop computers with Windows XP operating platforms, Microsoft Office software applications, a workgroup server, a notebook cart, a wireless laser printer, and 2 digital cameras. An added benefit of the Beaumont Foundation award is the upgrading of Dartmouth Square’s existing computers. Ask and You Shall Receive The Dartmouth Square Neighborhood Networks Center learned about the Beaumont Foundation during a center conference call that was hosted by Neighborhood Networks. Representatives from the Beaumont Foundation participated in the conference call and discussed grant opportunities and answered questions about the application process. Dartmouth Square submitted a grant application which was selected for funding. Sometimes More Is Better The equipment purchased with the Beaumont Foundation grant has allowed the Dartmouth Square Neighborhood Networks Center to triple the number of computer classes it offers to residents. In the past, the center was only able to offer one computer class geared to beginners. With the 10 new laptops, the center can offer 3 simultaneous sessions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. The new laptops also create a more flexible computer center. Classes can be conducted in different areas of the center or residents can take a laptop to a quiet part of the center to practice their computer skills or do schoolwork. Making Residents More Marketable The increased capacity offered with the new mobile computer lab has allowed the Dartmouth Square Neighborhood Networks Center to expand its workforce development initiatives. New programs provide networking and professional development opportunities for the residents and include: Job Club. The center has teamed with Michigan Works!, the state’s workforce development system, to help residents enhance their job-searching techniques. Dartmouth Square residents interested in finding new or better jobs will meet regularly to share job leads, practice interview skills, and provide support to job club members. Michigan Works! will help job club members develop professional resumes and correspond with prospective employers via e-mail. Conducting effective job searches using the Internet and newspaper classified ads will also be discussed. Microsoft Certification. To help residents become more competitive in the job market, Dartmouth Square plans to offer onsite Microsoft Office certification—a globally recognized standard for demonstrating desktop skills. “I often ask residents why they come to the center,” said Sonya Manners, Director of the Dartmouth Square Neighborhood Networks Center. “Most are interested in getting better jobs or starting businesses. The additional technology will enable the center to help residents do just that.” For more information about Neighborhood Networks centers in Michigan, contact: Pamela Wildfong U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—Detroit Office 477 Michigan Avenue, Room 1600 Detroit, MI 48226-2592 Phone: (313) 226-4900, ext. 8129 E-mail: pamela_m._wildfong@hud.gov For more information about the Dartmouth Square Neighborhood Networks Centers, contact: Sonya Manners 26382 Colgate Avenue Inkster, MI 48141 Phone: (313) 278-5544 E-mail: d.apartments@comcast.net

Center(s) Highlighted or Profiled:	Dartmouth Square Apartments
Scope:	National

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