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by Craig Melidosian
While political parties and constitutional scholars debate the feasibility of faith-based initiatives, the parishioners of West Philadelphia's Taylor Tabernacle heed the call of God and the needs of their community.
While the private sector and academicians lament the digital divide, the parishioners of West Philadelphia's Taylor Tabernacle are creating a digital miracle.
While government and universities struggle with the brain drain, a hometown boy came back from New York City to help his beloved Philadelphia.
After two years of planning and development, and months of pilot training classes, State Representative Ronald G. Waters (D 191st Legislative District) and Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell (D-3rd Council District) helped launch the grand opening of the Turning the TIDE Technology Center. The grand opening ceremony was a stunning success with the registration of almost 200 new students for free computer classes. Our two legislators are thrilled that TIDE has stepped up to the plate to support the professional and personal development of their many constituents.
TIDE, which stands for Technology and Information Delivered for Empowerment, is located a 425 S 61st Street. It has an ambitious plan to offer free computer education to the Philadelphia community. In its first year, the center plans to teach 500 students the following: how to use a computer; effective use of the Internet and E-mail; basic and intermediate level Microsoft Word and Excel applications; and record keeping and financial management for churches and nonprofits. During the second year, its target is to train 1,000 students.
The grand opening was also an opportunity to recognize the corporate sponsors and the many volunteer teachers. While faith is important, corporate sponsorship is like manna from heaven. IBM provided six PCs and four laptops through their Gifts in Kind program. Additionally, IBM made a $1,000 contribution to the TIDE program.
Diane Melley of IBM's community relations program and Lynn Rossiter from IBM's Lotus Development Corporation were true angels in their support of the center.
No project of the TIDE's scope is possible without a banker. Commerce Bank's University City branch, under the leadership of its manager Amber Pifer, was another invaluable corporate sponsor. Not only did Commerce Bank supply give-away novelties at the opening, they also contributed $500 in start up money, a fine example of a local business investing in the success of its community.
The center is the creation of the friends and parishioners Taylor Tabernacle Church. They believe that faith should be demonstrated through good works.
Pastor Florence Ford saw the need for workforce development, as a tool to keep her west/southwest Philadelphia community strong and growing. Her parishioners shared her vision. They donated their time and talents to renovate the second floor of their building into modern office space and training center. What they could not do through their own labor they paid local contractors to complete.
In any under taking of this scope, it always helps to have in-house technical talent. Deacon John Cureton a computer professional from Canon U.S.A.'s SINTAKS Company was responsible for the center's overall technical infrastructure and technology deployment. He even personally led the wiring of the local area network and the installation of DSL Internet communications to ensure that every student workstation will have high-speed access to the Internet.
Helping tie the financial and technical aspects of the center together is the Reverend Jonathan E. Ford, the center’s executive director. He is a graduate of Central High School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Reverend Ford previously worked as a consultant with Price Waterhouse Coopers' New York City office where he specialized in information technology for financial services companies. A hometown boy comes home, does well, and meets the challenge of a very different ministry.
Again, participation in TIDE computer training is free. The TIDE class schedule is available by calling 215-472-8268. State Senator Anthony H. Williams (D-8th Senatorial District) has recently launched a technology initiative to help grow the community. If you are interested in more information about creating new technology centers or linking with existing technical capacity in our community, call the RealSolutions Network at 215-724-8148 or e-mail
craigsolve@aol.com. By having the faith to work together, we will grow together. |
