SAN ANTONIO - It's a high tech world but not everyone has computer skills. A grant is making it possible for the Ella Austin Community Center to help low income families and especially seniors.
Some of the goals of this new resource center will be helping seniors understand how to become more tech savvy, manage their finances and learn how to protect themselves from fraud.
"I think it is very, very sad," said Diana Orosco.
A year ago, she said her father passed away and soon after she realized he was a victim of identity theft. She thinks the happy the new resource center will offer advice on how seniors can protect themselves from scams.
"Last year alone, there were over 2-million cases of elder abuse, most of it centered around fraud and identity theft," said Irvin Ashford, Jr.
Ashford was quoting a report in Associated Press. He is a Director of Community Development and External Affairs for the financial institution.
The bank provided $35,000 dollars in grant money to set up the community resource center. There are computers, kindle readers, resource books, and wi-fi service. It's a bit intimidating for some seniors, but they say they're willing to learn.
Several community leaders attended a ribbon cutting for the new space, including District 2 Councilperson Ivy Taylor. She believes this resource center is just one more example of how the east side community is undergoing a major revitalization.
We're told job seekers and student will also get to use the computers. There will be a sign in sheet because space is limited.
According to Ashford, Comerica Bank has other resource centers in the state and across the country to help people in low to moderate income areas. He said they need the financial knowledge to help become more independent.
This summer, bank employees will be at the community center are offering free training classes in English and Spanish.
The resource center is open to people across the city, not just those living on the East Side, and it will be open during normal community center operating hours.
