Thanks for the BOOST, Comcast!
Goodwill’s Helms Academy located at 222 White Horse Pike in Stratford is now a certified Comcast LIFT ZONE. The site offers high speed Internet to all students enrolled in its basic adult education program and to the community at large. Local job seekers are encouraged to stop in to take advantage of the Lift Zone for applying for jobs and for job search purposes and to gain digital skills.
Beyond the LIFT ZONE, Comcast donated $35,000 in grants to Goodwill to help thousands more people gain Internet access; acquire digital literacy skills; and ultimately thrive in the workplace. The company also donated 500 laptops to Goodwill to support local job seekers receiving training services through Goodwill.
The gifts to Goodwill were made to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Comcast’s signature digital equity program, Internet Essentials – the nation’s largest, most successful and most comprehensive broadband adoption program for low-income households. During a special celebratory event, ten local residents affiliated with Goodwill’s Helms Academy were surprised with free laptops including Lauren Pelley.
Thirty-five year old Lauren Pelley thought she had missed the boat in earning her high school diploma until she discovered the Helms Academy. While it was a juggling act being the single mom of two and a student herself during a global pandemic, Lauren earned her diploma and is now enrolled in a program to be a NJ State Certified Recovery Support Practitioner in the mental health field “The Helms Academy program has empowered and inspired me, and helped me to see my potential,” said Lauren. “Comcast’s investment in Goodwill’s Helms Academy will strengthen its programs and most importantly its students.”
“Access to the Internet offers a life-changing pathway for workers to get the skills they need to move up the economic ladder and prepare for the jobs of the future, but not everyone is capable of taking full advantage of the technology,” said Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski, Executive Director, Internet Essentials at Comcast Corporation. “Greater Internet adoption and increased digital skills will not only lead to higher paying jobs, but also make our country more competitive globally.”