The addition of a mobile computer lab, provided by a generous donation from Comcast, is helping Lighthouse Mission Ministries in Bellingham prepare men and women for finding jobs.
The lab, valued at approximately $15,000, includes 16 laptops, a projector, and a printer that are securely stored in a rolling cart for easy transport between buildings.
The mobile lab was put to use in a four-week resume building class offered to men and women in LMM’s Agape Home and Ascent Program. The class was taught by Ashley Mureno, Lighthouse Mission’s HR Coordinator. “The class and the efforts of the participants will benefit them in finding jobs and being able to present themselves with their best foot forward,” Mureno said.
“Having the laptops in use during class was a great help. As I reviewed the next step in the resume writing process or showed an example, the participants could look down at their own resume draft and see what to do next. With the laptops, the class was able to be really interactive and more engaging.”
Beyond resume building, the class researched available jobs, looked at local job boards, and went over basic computer skills such as editing documents, using Google Drive, and typing.
One class participant said it was “a must do. I have never had a resume before. I definitely improved a bit and learned something new.”
In addition to the mobile computer lab, Comcast partnered with LMM through its Lift Zone Initiative, which will provide fast and free internet access at the Base Camp emergency homeless shelter for the next three years. The Lift Zone Initiative’s goal is to help bridge the digital divide and ensure information and digital resources are available to all, according to Comcast. Many people rely on community centers for internet access and now Base Camp is another Lift Zone location that’s available.
“Our work with Lighthouse Mission is focused on addressing digital equity gaps, by providing affordable Internet connectivity to local families and individuals transitioning out of homeless,” said Vincent Buys, Government Affairs Manager for Comcast in Bellingham. “By donating laptop computers and opening a Lift Zone at the Lighthouse Mission, we can take that work one step further by powering this safe shelter with robust WiFi connectivity that their families can use while they receive support onsite.”
Hans Erchinger-Davis, Executive Director of Lighthouse Mission Ministries, said, “We are excited for all the possibilities these new technologies bring to our guests. In a world where we depend on connectivity, we are grateful to partner with companies like Comcast to help people grow and learn new skills, so they can come to a place of flourishing.”
