Tech Classes for ‘Modern Agers’ Head to Mills Building in Montclair
Combining an existing program it runs in three Montclair locations, a senior-led nonprofit plans the opening of a “Digital Lab for Modern Agers” at the Mills Building, the group announced.
Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place has started outfitting a space at 60 South Fullerton Ave. and plans to open it on May 6, the nonprofit said. Last year, the advocacy and service organization secured $90,000 in state funding to support a one-year agreement for space. It obtained the funds through Assemblywoman Alixon Callazos Gill, D-Montclair. And organizers said they have until June to spend dollars.
“We are excited to finally be able to expand our tech services to the broader modern ager community throughout Essex County,” mGAP president Ellie Bagli said in a statement. “It’s been years since we started our search for a convenient and sizable space to hold our SmartSeniors/SmartTech digital classes and services and this space fits the bill.”
Expanding Offerings
The digital lab will also expand offerings through a partnership with the Older Americans Technology Service Senior Planet program, which provides lectures and hands-on sessions, organizers said.
Senior Planet courseware is also translated into multiple languages including in Spanish, organizers said. mGAP is including Spanish-speaking volunteers in upcoming training classes for coaches, the group said. It plans to offer direct training to Spanish-speaking seniors, organizers said.
mGAP SmartSeniors/SmartTech peer coaches will continue to offer its one-on-one coaching in the Lab, the group said. Started in 2020, the program has reached more than 1,000 seniors, helping them to develop digital skills, mGAP said.
Coaches Wanted
The group is looking to add more coaches, organizers said.
Initial plans had called for the lab to be housed within a “Senior Hub” the township is constructing at the Municipal Building. However, mGAP said the timing of that location did not work for the group.
mGAP asks tech-savvy seniors wanting to help other seniors, to reach out to Carol Schlein, mGAP digital inclusion coordinator, at ssst@montclairgateway.com.