Senior Center In Forest Hills Gets $100K Tech Lab

FOREST HILLS, NY – The Selfhelp Austin Street Senior Center in Forest Hills is celebrating the completion of its new computer lab with the help of $100,000 in state funding. State Sen. Toby Stavisky, who allocated the funds, said, “It is important that our senior citizens are not left behind.

"[Older Adults Technology Services] provides invaluable computer programs for the elderly that drastically improves their lives by utilizing technology to better their health, finances, social engagement, learning and creative expression.”

OATS installed the lab at the senior center and graduated 10 senior citizens from its program at the ribbon cutting of the new lab Tuesday.

“The best part of the day was seeing the joy on the faces of those who recently completed their computer training,” Stavisky added.

Barbara Kelly, the director of External relations of OATS, said it was a “successful partnership that will empower older adults to live successful, independent, connected lives.”

Kelly added that it “will serve as a beacon to the Austin Street Center - where access to modern equipment and high speed Internet will enable members to remain connected and engaged in their community and in the digital world.”

Caption: State Sen. Toby Stavisky poses with members of the Austin Street Senior Center after the ribbon cutting of the new computer lab. Photo courtesy of the state senate