Clarksville, TN – Madison Street United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, received a $7,500 grant from the Golden Cross Foundation. Money from this grant was used to start an iPad pilot project for older adults.
“Older adults have become isolated because many church communications – newsletters, schedules, and other church information – are now distributed electronically,” said Aleeta Christian, chair of the church’s Electronic Train team.
“Many older adults do not have access to or the skill to use electronic devices. They may also lack funds to purchase devices due to living on fixed incomes.”
The idea of giving older adults new iPads and teaching them how to use them was Christian’s dream. Initially, she bought iPads and taught her two older sisters how to use them.
From there, the idea blossomed and became a reality thanks in part to the Golden Cross Foundation grant. Money from the grant was used to purchase 12 iPads, needed accessories such as stylus pens and covers, Wi-Fi connections, and a large TV and conference tables to use during training.
In early 2019, the first of several workshops was offered to interested older adults to introduce them to the iPads and select recipients. To qualify for an iPad, persons needed to be 62+ years old who did not have an iPad, and who would commit to attending training sessions and donate $100.00 in matching funds. Training sessions included group, one-on-one with youth assistant facilitators, and home visits.
“Learning to use an iPad and keyboard is not easy for anyone, especially older adults who have few experiences with newer electronic devices,” said Christian. “Sometimes it was hard and frustrating to all – participants, leaders, and Electronic Train team members – but overall it was very gratifying. Older adults can learn new things. It was so fun watching that happen.”
“God expects us to be involved in groups, churches, and in society in general,” said Christian. “Thanks in part to the grant from the Golden Cross Foundation, the iPad project has touched the lives of people in our church’s largest demographic group; 29 percent are 65 and older. Now, older adult members can regularly communicate and stay connected electronically with friends and family – both inside and outside the church.”
About the Golden Cross Foundation
The Golden Cross Foundation is a non-profit corporation and extension ministry of the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church. It provides funding assistance for new and ongoing ministries and services with older adults in the Tennessee Conference and provides expertise and strategic planning to the conference for the expansion of innovative and effective ministries with older adults.
For more information visit www.goldencrossfoundation.org or contact Kent McNish, executive director of The Golden Cross Foundation at kmcnish@goldencrossfoundation.org or 615.479.6175.
