Caring is Sharing! Volunteers at
the Friendship House assist seniors, such as John Yeck, in learning
how to use the computer.

Give and Take. Eric Manuel will learn from Garland Criswell today, and share this new knowledge with someone else tomorrow.

The world of computers and the Internet is no exception. Thanks to the dedicated individuals at the Friendship House, 800 NE Main, Peoria, IL., getting through Cyberspace can be done -- it just takes a little help and a lot of sharing. Friendship House, a non-profit, multi-service agency providing aid to the Peoria community, developed a program to assist area senior citizens learn more about the rapidly-evolving world of computers. For three years, the Senior Computer Club has opened the door to over 150 seniors interested in learning more about computers. The club provides informal teaching in various computer programs ranging from DOS and Microsoft Works to a popular genealogy program and to charting their own courses on the paths of the Internet. Not only do the seniors learn software and computer program basics, the center connects to Peoria's free Heartland Regional Network system that enables its members to access e-mail, bulletin boards, SeniorNet, and a variety of information forums.

"We encourage anyone, with whatever skills they have, to come on down and learn the language," said Garland Criswell, former director of the Friendship House and founder of the Senior Computer Club. "We will sit you down in front of a computer and let you get the feel of it."

The club meets in the Friendship House's Computer Learning Center, on Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. The center opened due largely in part to a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Peoria in 1990. The computer center is supported by local churches and businesses as well as by the United Way. Six desktop computers have been donated along with two portable computers and various software packages. Friendship House not only provides training for the computer curious, but also assistance for those enrolled in computer classes at local schools.

Listening In.Fred Krabbe and John Picco listen intensely as Ed Cunningham explains a new program.

Never Stop Learning. John Picco
is just one of the many senior
citizens that has turned to the Friendship House.
He too is finding his way through
cyberspace.

"Some of the classes move too fast for seniors," Criswell said. "We offer help to those who are having difficulty with the classes."

Seniors take classes such as learning the difference between a mouse and a modem to understanding finance programs like Quicken. Word about the program and classes have spread rapidly and they have become so popular in the community, that many people are unable to register for a class because of limited spaces. Each class seats 30 people and is taught at the level appropriate for each person's expertise.

For the individuals volunteering Friendship House, it isn't just the excitement of the computers themselves which motivates them. Rather, it is the service that every member of the group provides to each other and those in the Peoria area. The philosophy behind building the center was to provide remedial and enrichment education for children, staff, and others in the community. This ideal is now a reality with another outreach program the center established in conjunction with their after school programs for local children.

"Retired teachers and members of the Senior Computer Club spend time helping the children learn more about computers during the after school program," said Jean Purtherm, a director of the club. We all help each other learn. Three days a week, seniors work with children on educational programs such as reading and math. They also use game and drawing programs to enhance the children's computer aptitude and basic learning skills.

For the people at the Friendship House, living in Cyberspace seems to be like anything else--you get by with a little help from your friends.