Last summer, Hillcrest set out to equip its Kansas City, KS campus with wi-fi connectivity. Thanks to the generosity of key supporters, technology upgrades were completed on that campus the end of February.
Little did we know how vitally important that connectivity would be in the coming weeks.
As coronavirus began transforming the way we do life for a while, Hillcrest residents have started working and studying from home. Hillcrest has a greater ability to accommodate all of those needs, allowing our families to maintain jobs, continue education, and retain a sense of normalcy during these uncertain times. In addition, as schools move to online classrooms, the children and youth Hillcrest serves can continue to grow through their education.
"I wouldn't have a job if I didn't have access to wi-fi," said Geneva, Hillcrest client. Geneva started a new job just two weeks before her employer moved all employees to work from home due to the virus threat. Now, she is able to maintain her employment using Hillcrest's new wi-fi capability and a laptop from her workplace.
"We knew the upgrades were something we needed to do, but there's no way we could have known how critical they would be for our residents and their children during this health crisis," said Hillcrest President and CEO Tom Lally. "We are tremendously grateful for the support we received to make this major leap forward."
Photo (L to R): Hillcrest President & CEO Tom Lally; Rick Dean, contractor; Tiara Jones, Youth Program Case Worker; Susan Brandom with sons Joel and Jacob; and Hillcrest Director of Operations Tamara Grubb at the ribbon cutting for the Get Smart Initiative on February 27.
