Community center gets tech upgrade to support underserved residents
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center has received a technology upgrade aimed at improving access to digital resources for the local community.
The center was awarded more than $56,000 from the California Public Utilities Commission to enhance its technology offerings. The funding supported the addition of 16 new computer workstations and building-wide Wi-Fi, providing internet access throughout the entire facility—including the gym and meeting rooms.
Jarvis Crawford, community center manager, says this is more than a technology improvement but an investment for residents.
“We do lack some resources that the other districts do. Most of the folks here in the community of District 1 are low to moderate income.”
Jarvis Crawford, James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center community center manager
The upgrades create more opportunities for residents of all ages to complete homework, search for jobs, and stay connected in a supportive environment, needed tools and connectivity to succeed.
“It’s a necessity because not everyone has access to a computer, internet, so having that here and being able to utilize the things that we have here at the center to make it more accessible for them it just made it a win-win for the community.”
Jarvis Crawford, James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center community center manager
Officials view this as an important step toward expanding access to technology for all members of the community.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.