NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2023
• Programs of Excellence Name: Technology Training and SKYPE WITH SCOPE
• Hosting Organization: SCOPE Senior Services of Trumbull County, Ohio, Warren
• Warren Population: 247,986
• 60+ Population: 75,954
• Senior Center Members: 3,678

About Technology Training and SKYPE WITH SCOPE

SCOPE (Senior Citizens Opportunity for Personal Endeavors) of Trumbull County, Ohio, provides one-on-one technology training to older adults by setting up appointments every day for this free service. SCOPE also hosts scam and virus awareness training with support classes. The 'SKYPE WITH SCOPE' times allow older adults to visit with their families in a safe environment at senior centers with "a lot of tears and smiles."

The program also provides set-up of new equipment, repairs, and virus removal, and assists with purchasing and donating laptops that are replaced and recondition for homebound older adults.

Technology support staff also assist older adults with going online at our centers to set up their Social Security accounts, Medicare and Medicaid plans, and save money on utilities and discount programs. The program includes training on avoiding scams to groups and churches. SCOPE even conducts this free service at older adults' homes and at six senior centers.

SCOPE provides Zoom training so homebound seniors can particpate in the senior centers' educational classes and exercise classes online.

During the technology service project's first year, the center directly assisted 488 people for 774 hours of support, averaging 1.5 hours per client. The program provided 11 free laptops to homebound and low-income older adults, veterans, and adults with disabilities.

The project also resulted in new senior center participants. Some participants have become so comfortable working with computers that they have signed up to volunteer at senior centers to assist with the reception areas. The senior centers work with lawmakers and a local postal agent on raising awareness about mail and postal scams, as well as with the sheriff on other scams.

Key takeaways from Technology Training and SKYPE WITH SCOPE:

• In an increasingly technology-driven world, free tech support is a valuable offering for senior center participants.
• Zoom training can be invaluable for homebound older adults to increase access to senior center programs like educational and exercise classes.
• Outreach at churches, nursing homes, and to community groups helps expand the senior center's reach.

About the SCOPE Senior Services of Trumbull County

SCOPE Senior Services in Warren, Ohio, has a mission "to inspire, strengthen, and enrich adult lives in Trumbull County." The organization helps adults 50+ maintain independence. Offerings include daily recreational activities, educational events, lunch, socialization, and fitness programs. SCOPE also has a supportive services division for older adults that provides social work and counseling, a traveling food pantry and grocery deliveries, prescription assistance and Medicaid/Medicare counsel, and an emergency assistance program.