MTA Foundation gifts Mat-Su Senior Services with a full-service computer lab

PALMER — The MTA Foundation recently presented a $30,000 donation to Mat-Su Senior Services for a full-service computer lab with the goal of helping local seniors stay connected to their families.

Representatives from MTA and Mat-Su Senior Services gathered with members of the public for a special presentation at the MTA Palmer Headquarters Wednesday, July 13.

“It’s bigger than tech. It creates that human connection,” Mat-Su Senior Services CEO Brandi Burchett said.

The MTA Foundation raised funds in collaboration with a large number of MTA staff in this new endeavor. The $30,000 donation will go toward the creation of a senior-friendly computer lab and gaming center inside Mat-Su Senior Services.

MTA CEO Michael Burke said that he was thrilled with the amount of employee participation.

“I’m really proud of the fact we were able to do something like this,” Burke said. “I think it’s a great sign for the future and more things we can do. We’re always hunting for new ideas like this that are worthwhile. This is awesome.”

MTA is also partnering with Mat-Su Senior Services to offer digital inclusion and literacy sessions for their membership to help residents feel safe and connected.

Burchett said they’re planning to renovate a designated room in their facility for the new computer area. She said it will be a great way for residents to play senior-friendly games, access resources, and connect with their families. She said after two years of isolation due to the pandemic, this will be a tremendous help to local seniors.

“It’s high-tech. I’m super excited,” Burchett said. “It’s going to bring a whole new level to that connection.”

According to Burchett, one in five Americans will be seniors by 2030. She said projects like this not only enrich the lives of today’s seniors but also ensure the same treatment for the seniors of tomorrow.

“It’s about sustainability,” Burchett said. “The Mat-Su Senior Center has you. We’ve got you.”

Burke recognized how difficult the social disconnection has been for seniors. He applauded Mat-Su Senior Services for going above and beyond to make the best quality of life for their residents through all the highs and lows of the pandemic.

“I think they have so many neat things that they’re trying to do with the seniors,” Burke said. “Obviously connectivity and technology is a way to do that. It’s another way to bring that engagement and it really improves the seniors’ quality of life, which I think is wonderful.”

Burke added that everyone is going to be a senior one day and the work done by senior centers is invaluable.

“It’s nice to there’s programs that will help any of us when we get to that stage of life,” Burke said.

The MTA Foundation’s computer lab project is one of numerous efforts to bring internet services to all parts of Alaska to promote technology awareness, and economic development and enhance entrepreneurship through education and other activities.

Public relations manager Jessica Gilbert said this particular project was chosen by MTA employees. She said they plan to do more projects like this each year on top of their existing efforts.

“Our employees all live here. So I think that making a difference is what drives them every day,” Gilbert said. “This is a way for them to go above and beyond what they do on the phone and in person to change the community around us.”

For more information, visit mtafoundation.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com