Pinthouse Pizza
Good Intentions
RECEIVED Sat., Feb. 24, 2018
Dear Editor,
I have a few things to say in response to your article claiming Austin could be "dumping" a local organization to replace it with a California company ["Is the City Dumping Longtime Tech Nonprofit Austin Free-Net for a Cali Company?" News, Feb. 23].
I was hired as CTN's Austin Program Director in August. I was born and raised here and have spent my career working in the nonprofit community for three decades.
I would like to first make a point to say that Community Technology Network is a national organization, not a California company. The organization has the intention to serve low-income residents in the Bay Area, the Austin area, and other areas all around the U.S. The intent of CTN is focused on the need of digital literacy that has a gap not only here in Austin but in most low-income urban communities across the U.S.
Community Technology Network is committed to provide training services in Austin, not just in partnership with the city through this contract but also in partnership with affordable housing providers, senior centers, libraries, and any agency that works to help adults and seniors reach their goals. Our current Austin partners include El Buen Samaritano, the Housing Authority of Austin, Literacy Coalition of Austin, Foundation Communities, and AARP to name a few.
It's unfortunate that it's come to this level of entanglement because it's unnecessary and inefficient. I do think there are issues that need to be addressed here but in favor of the Austin community, I feel we all have the same mission and should act accordingly. We at CTN have done our best to be open to all options and regret this stressful and enduring situation. We would like it resolved as soon as possible so we can deliver sustainable programs in our community.
I am happy to answer any questions and recommend reading both proposals and comments before writing any additional information.
I have a few things to say in response to your article claiming Austin could be "dumping" a local organization to replace it with a California company ["Is the City Dumping Longtime Tech Nonprofit Austin Free-Net for a Cali Company?" News, Feb. 23].
I was hired as CTN's Austin Program Director in August. I was born and raised here and have spent my career working in the nonprofit community for three decades.
I would like to first make a point to say that Community Technology Network is a national organization, not a California company. The organization has the intention to serve low-income residents in the Bay Area, the Austin area, and other areas all around the U.S. The intent of CTN is focused on the need of digital literacy that has a gap not only here in Austin but in most low-income urban communities across the U.S.
Community Technology Network is committed to provide training services in Austin, not just in partnership with the city through this contract but also in partnership with affordable housing providers, senior centers, libraries, and any agency that works to help adults and seniors reach their goals. Our current Austin partners include El Buen Samaritano, the Housing Authority of Austin, Literacy Coalition of Austin, Foundation Communities, and AARP to name a few.
It's unfortunate that it's come to this level of entanglement because it's unnecessary and inefficient. I do think there are issues that need to be addressed here but in favor of the Austin community, I feel we all have the same mission and should act accordingly. We at CTN have done our best to be open to all options and regret this stressful and enduring situation. We would like it resolved as soon as possible so we can deliver sustainable programs in our community.
I am happy to answer any questions and recommend reading both proposals and comments before writing any additional information.
Thank you,
Jessica L. Looney
Jessica L. Looney