New community-based Computer Lab to be dedicated at the Shady Oak
Baptist Church on October 6th

In an effort to promote technology literacy, help bridge the digital divide and provide user accessibility to computers and computer-related technologies, the Shady Oak Baptist Church will celebrate the grand opening of its Community Empowerment Computer Lab and Learning Center on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 12:00 noon.

Located at 1111 White Horse Road, the Shady Oak Baptist Church embarked on this mission earlier this year to provide a site within the Belle Meade and Kennedy Park vicinity where area residents, particularly middle and high schools students, could come and have access to the Internet and other computer software applications.

According to the computer lab director, L’Tanga Johnson, “we will invite, initiate, and actively encourage partnerships and collaborations with other individuals and organizations that offer resources in support of our community-based mission.” Johnson further states, “there is already one partnership that has been formed with The Bridge Program (www.thebridgetech.org) to assist youth in further understanding computer concepts and different programming methods associated with computers.”

In speaking with Dr. Ronald D. Barton, Senior Pastor at the Shady Oak Baptist Church, he noted that, "the lab and learning center is a much needed resource for the area residents especially given the lack of these types of technological resources in many of the homes." When it's all said and done, according to Pastor Barton, "the church wants to do its part to increase access to technology skills training in this underserved community."

The lab was made possible by committed and dedicated individuals of the church who believed in this vision of Pastor Barton. The lab will house eight (8) computers, a laser printer and scanner, secured wireless internet access, and a host of software applications.

The Community Empowerment Computer Lab and Learning Center will be open Monday through Friday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm. An On-Site Lab Technician will also be available to provide any additional support for those needing it. Anyone needing additional information regarding the computer lab should call the church office at (864) 277-6060.