The Givens Communities Philanthropy Team visited the Givens Great Laurels campus to attend an engaging computer class for a group of enthusiastic residents. This special session is part of a collaborative initiative with Haywood Community College, bringing digital literacy right into the heart of their community.
The class is led by Charles, one of HCC’s dedicated digital navigators. Before joining Haywood Community College, Charles was a member of the technology team at Givens Communities. During his time servicing the Givens Great Laurels campus, he saw firsthand the challenges residents faced with technology and recognized a real need for support. That experience stayed with him. Now, as part of HCC’s Digital Navigator Program, Charles has returned not because it is his job, but because he cares deeply about the residents and wants to help bridge that gap.
Launched through a 2024 grant funded by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, the Digital Navigator Program aims to close the “digital divide” by supporting underserved populations with digital access and skills. Charles and his fellow navigator, Matt, travel to various low-income senior and student communities in Haywood County, bringing laptops, coaching, and training directly to learners.
Each week at the Givens Great Laurels campus, about fifteen residents gather together in a classroom. With Charles’s guidance, they explore topics like internet basics, email etiquette, online safety, and essential software skills.
A highlight of the program is that every participant is gifted their own laptop to keep. These laptops often come from refurbished devices, emphasizing sustainability and community support.
The atmosphere is warm and vibrant: residents share smiles and support one another. Beyond technical skills, the class fosters confidence, connection, and a renewed sense of independence.
Thanks to Haywood Community College’s grant-funded program and to Charles’s commitment, the Digital Navigators are not just teaching technology. They are opening doors. By bringing devices, connectivity, training, and encouragement to places like Givens Great Laurels, they are ensuring that no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world.