Lufkin Faith Based Initiative Partners with Technology For All for Workforce Training Pilot with Spanish Speaking Adults
Ministry in Action Works with ALFA-Acciòn-Amor-y Fe

Lufkin, Texas and Houston, Texas - (February 21, 2002) - In North Lufkin at the Lewis-Toran Retirement Center, the Ministry in Action Living Center is the site of a pilot initiative designed to help Spanish speaking persons gain access to computer and internet training, a vital need in today's job market. Technology For All (TFA), a national organization that brings technology to underserved communities, is partnering with Ministry in Action, ALFA Acciòn- Amor-y Fe, The Voice of the Town KSFA 860 A.M, and Lufkin First United Methodist Church to implement an innovative workforce development program.

Ministry In Action operates the "Neighborhood Network" Technology Resource/Learning Center in a Lufkin apartment community that provides affordable housing and other services for seniors and disabled persons. Bob Hamilton, Program Director for the center is working with community volunteer leaders, Cesar Rodriguez, Executive Director of ALFA and Dr. Steven Diaz, Associate Pastor of LFUMC to develop computer based training for Spanish speaking residents so they can gain new employment skills.

Through a sponsor relationship with SmartForce, the eLearning company, Technology For All has provided the Lufkin program the ability to access online courses that include basic computer, office, technology and soft skills. Prior to the Spanish pilot program, Ministry In Action and TFA developed an initial program utilizing English courseware that provided proficiency training in Microsoft Office 2000. Students were recruited from the wider community, and upon full scale implementation the program will allow organizations to maximize their resources and efforts towards providing individuals the skills they need to help access livable wage employment.

Dr. Will Reed, President of Technology For All, stated, "we are pleased to be working with Ministry in Action and ALFA. By continuing to work together, we can provide customized, specific computer skills training for underserved adults in Lufkin and other communities. Through the use of innovative learning tools, such as the eLearning platform provided by SmartForce, and the collaboration of willing partners and the local business community, individuals can be effectively trained for present and future employment opportunities in their communities."

About Technology For All
Technology For All (TFA) is a national nonprofit initiative focused on bringing technology to underserved communities. Using a network model to bridge the digital divide, TFA is creating educational, economic and personal opportunities for America's underserved. Corporate sponsors include SmartForce, FYI-Net, Shell, and BP. Program partners include HUD's Neighborhood Network Initiative, the America Connects Consortium, the LINCT Coalition, local TFA initiatives and individual CTCs across the US. Local TFA initiatives or supportive CTC relationships exist in fifteen US cities. TFA offices are located at 109 North Post Oak Lane, Suite 425, Houston, Texas, 77024. Phone: 713.316.5764.
Web site: www.techforall.org

Technology For All and the Technology For All logo are trademarks of Technology For All. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.