Two more Kentucky properties recently opened Neighborhood Networks Computerized Learning Centers - making a total of 33 centers statewide serving low-income kids, families, elders and adults - and the celebrations were as distinctive as the people they serve.

In Louisville, O'Connor Square Apartments, a 64-unit family complex with 11 Section 8-assisted units, celebrated the grand opening of its Center with an open house and spaghetti supper! Their learning center is a free after school program open to children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The kids even get an after school snack and homework assistance from staff called "Neighborhood Mentors" as well as from helpful community volunteers. After homework there are daily activities such as arts and crafts, computer lessons, games, and Internet search.

In Hopkinsville, Chapel House, an 85-unit housing facility for the elderly, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Mayor Rich Liebe, scores of volunteers and residents (at right). Chapel House has been adopted by Lacy Elementary School and Hopkinsville High School as part of their technology learning project. These schools are community partners taking part in the Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP), an instructional program that advances individual technological abilities and creates leadership opportunities for the students through the use of technology.

Under the program, which has been endorsed by the Kentucky Department of Education, students pair with residents two to three times a week to help them learn various computer skills. In the computer lab - which was established through community donations - residents receive instruction on accessing the Internet, email, word processing, spreadsheets, print programs, family genealogy, and even the use of images from digital cameras. Young and old alike are excited about their new resource and team learning approach, as the image at the left shows. It's not often that the younger generation can teach something new to seniors, but in this case both the adults and the kids will live better lives thanks to this new Neighborhood Network Computerized Learning center. In both cases, these well-managed properties continue to receive technical assistance and guidance from the staff at the Kentucky HUD Office of Multifamily Housing.