Sharlotte Giberson, a computer facilitator at Shirley Futch Plaza Apartment Community who has her elderly residents "blogging" and learning a variety of other computer skills, has been recognized for outstanding achievement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Michaels Organization announced today.
"Sharlotte inspires our apartment residents to be creative and to have fun while introducing them to the value of 21st Century technology," said Mark Morgan, president of Interstate Realty Management Company, which provides property and asset management services at Shirley Futch Plaza, an affordable apartment community in East Stroudsburg, Penn., for the elderly and people with disabilities. "We are so proud of Sharlotte for her great work and for being bestowed such a prestigious honor by HUD," Morgan said.
Shirley Futch Plaza is the site of one of HUD's Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Centers, which provide technology access and promote self-sufficiency among residents living in HUD's Federal Housing Administration's insured and assisted communities. Interstate Realty Management, which is one of a family of companies dedicated to excellence in affordable housing within The Michaels Organization, was one of the first private property management companies in the nation to establish Neighborhood Networks at its multifamily housing communities.
At Shirley Futch Plaza, Giberson offers her resident clients typing lessons, English as a Second Language, Microsoft Word instruction, and digital photography training. She created a blog [www.sfpnn.blogspot.com] that is updated every day so residents can keep in touch with family and friends, sharing news and photos. In addition, she has helped them learn to navigate the internet for free product samples and money-saving coupons.
"Sharlotte's been with us for just a little over two years and in that time has taken an 'ordinary' program to 'extraordinary,' said Morgan. "Her excellent work has engaged and delighted our residents so that not a day goes by when her classes aren't full," he said.
Giberson received the two Special Awards from HUD officials last week as part of a conference held in Philadelphia for Neighborhood Network professionals.