Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC) is helping Palmdale seniors get connected — one laptop at a time. EPIC partnered with the City of Palmdale for its Free Laptop Sign-Up Event, part of a broader initiative to expand digital access and literacy for seniors in the Palmdale community.
On Wednesday, May 13, seniors gathered in the lobby of Legacy Commons for Active Seniors, to sign up to receive a refurbished laptop at no cost. With 60 sign-up slots available on a first-come, first-served basis, the event offered Palmdale residents 55 and older, who did not currently own a working computer device, an opportunity to take a step toward digital inclusion. A waitlist was also made available for those interested in potential future device distributions.
Participants were then assigned individual pickup and setup assistance time slots for the Device Distribution and Resource Event held on Tuesday, June 16, in the Auditorium of Legacy Commons. In addition to receiving devices, seniors had the opportunity to connect with community partners offering digital literacy education and hands-on support. Resources focused on helping participants build confidence using their new technology, from navigating the internet to accessing online resources to staying connected with family and loved ones.
EPIC sponsored the initiative by providing branded laptop sleeves for each device recipient, ensuring seniors left with not only a laptop, but also with the tools to protect and care for their new technology. This initiative builds on EPIC’s ongoing commitment to increase digital equity and access to technology. Previous initiatives have included the distribution of 143 refurbished laptops to families served by South Antelope Valley Emergency Services and an e-recycling event in partnership with Homeboy Electronics Recycling.
For information about EPIC’s clean energy programs and community initiatives, visit PalmdaleEPICEnergy.com or call (661) 267-5419.