Despite the still-uncertain status of EarthLink’s Wi-Fi network in its city, Wireless Philadelphia is scoring significant victories that bolster the strength of its digital inclusion programs. This week the organization received two grants totaling $79,500.
Grants from the Samuel Fels Foundation and the First Hospital Foundation will support two fascinating programs aimed at addressing the digital divide while they assist low-wealth families with other needed services.
The $29,500 Fels grant will support a collaborative effort with the Campaign for Working Families and the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Delaware Valley. The three organizations will work together through the coming tax season to help low-wealth families qualify for Earned Income Tax Credits and for the discounted wireless Internet service available through Wireless Philadelphia. Greg Goldman, director of Wireless PHiladelphia, said he expects the effort will help bring WP’s services to hundreds of additional families.
The $50,000 First Hospital Foundation grant will finance a program to provide computers and Internet access to “pregnant and parenting women” enrolled in the Philadelphia Department of Health’s Division of Maternal and Child Health. Women who attend parenting classes, prenatal and postpartum pediatric appointments, and who seek parenting and child development information from their local libraries will be provided with refurbished laptops and a year of free Internet access, as well as training and technical support.
This is not only a significant gift to WP, it represents a significant return that the group will be able to deliver to Philadelphia. Better yet for other muni programs aimed at addressing the digital divide, WP and the growing number of foundations that support its efforts are demonstrating that these programs can make significant differences in the lives of the community.
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