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The Learning Centers are at the heart of our community. The facilities house a variety of educational, vocational training, childcare, and other programs. The buildings also house the administative offices and the core Community Management program. [Click Here for a complete listing of Programs]. |
Recently, two computer labs have been set up in the libraries located in each of the Community Centers. The sophisticated technology combined with the resources of the Internet, offers residents and members of the surrounding community tremendous educational opportunities. Volunteers from the Madison community and housing community work together to offer classes and structured educational experiences. A dedicated support staff provide excellent technical support and help to those interested in exploring the technological resources of the labs.
A recent HUD initiative called Neighborhoods Networks has played an important part in making these labs possible. For more information on what HUD is doing in this area click here.
The Computer Labs provide opportunities for K-12 education, Adult Education, and Vocational Skills Training. Although these classes are designed primarily to serve housing community population, some classes are open to individuals from the surrounding community.
Classes Now Forming | Enrollment Information
[Computer Lab Hardware Specifications]
The existence of a sophisticated computer lab in an assisted housing community is a bit unusual. How did this come to be?
The philosophy of Client-Centered Management (CCM) and the ideas that Carmen Porco of CPDS has developed over two decades of managing these communities play a key role in understanding the story of these centers. Client-Centered Management philosophy requires that management step out of the traditional role of simply being the one who collects the rent and fixes the plumbing, to a role which assumes active responsibility for building and maintaining community. In practice, this is seen as a shift to including social service functions as part of managment's responsibilities.
Another aspect of the CCM philosophy emphasizes the integration and accountability of residents, management, owners and other community partners. A process is established to identify needs (of the various parties) and pursue solutions which really work to meet these needs. The collaboration is done, not out of charity, but out of recognition of the inherent value of each indiviudal to the community.
As part of his commitment to these ideals, Carmen Porco has pursued the vision of supporting community through the establishment of Community Learning Centers located various housing facilities that he manages. So far, Carmen has overseen the construction of three community centers and is submitting a proposal for a fourth Community Center in Milwaukee.
The computer labs have been funded through the creative efforts and co-operation of management, HUD's Neighborhood Networks Program and resources of ABC of Wisconsin. For many years, management has been pursuing the creation of a facility to house the various human service and educational programs that it views as central to the creation of a healthly community. This vision became a reality in 1993-1994 with the construction of the two community centers. The recent [Feb, 1996] addition of computer labs to the community centers is a natural extension of the belief that providing residents with powerful resources is an appropriate and reasonable way to support the educational efforts of the resident population.
[More about HUD's Neighborhood Networks] [More about ABC of Wisconsin] [More about our Community Partners]
