Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg joined the Town of Babylon, AT&T, and Morrison Mentors on Tuesday, Dec. 10 in Wyandanch to kick off the Senior Holiday Online Safety Program and announce AT&T’s donation of 100 laptops and backpacks to be distributed to seniors in the community.
“My office has been getting reports of seniors being taken advantage of online for years, and the holiday season is a prime time for these online scams,” said Minority Leader Richberg. “Anything we can do to make sure our seniors are informed and safe online is a worth taking a look at, and I think this program does a great job of providing easy to follow tips and tricks seniors can keep in mind while browsing. I want to thank the Town of Babylon for spearheading this initiative, AT&T for their generous donations and support, and everyone at Morrison Mentors for doing the hands-on work with our senior community.”
The Senior Holiday Online Safety Program is tailored specifically for seniors, focusing on practical, easy-to-understand strategies to help them navigate the internet with confidence. Classes emphasize techniques for identifying and avoiding online threats, empowering participants to shop and browse safely as cyber risks increase during the holiday season. The program is conducted by Morrison Mentors in partnership with the Town of Babylon and is supported by a $50,000 contribution from AT&T.
Nearly 22 million seniors nationwide lack internet connection at home, an issue known as the “digital divide.” It’s estimated that 11% of households in New York do not have access to the internet or connected devices necessary to participate in the online world.
“This initiative represents a vital step toward bridging the digital divide for our senior citizens,” said Babylon Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory. “By providing access to technology and equipping our older residents with the skills they need to safely navigate the digital world, we are empowering them to stay connected, informed, and independent. I commend AT&T and Morrison Mentors for their commitment to fostering digital literacy and improving the quality of life for seniors in our community.”
“Thanks to the generosity of AT&T and Morrison Mentors, 100 Suffolk seniors now have the tools to bridge the digital divide,” said NYS Senator Monica Martinez. “This opportunity will open the world to them, bringing with it the ability to connect with loved ones, learn something new and seek medical services virtually. Through this workshop, they gain access to the digital world as well as knowledge and confidence to navigate online safely.”
"I am thrilled to see a community-centered partnership between AT&T, Morrison Mentors, and the Town of Babylon come to life through this program,” said NYS Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre. “I especially love that local teens are helping lead these classes – it’s a perfect example of how intergenerational collaboration can build stronger, more connected communities. Seniors may be hesitant to use technology, even when they have access, but with this mentorship, they receive information, encouragement, and a patient helping hand from the teen volunteers. It’s not just about teaching skills; it’s about building trust and showing that technology can be a tool to stay connected to the people and things they care about most. I’m grateful to AT&T and Morrison Mentors for their continued investment in bridging the digital divide right here in our region."
“We are proud to be a partner with AT&T and Morrison Mentors with the launch of their Laptop Initiative for the seniors of the Town Babylon,” said Traci A. Fonville, Town of Babylon Human Services Commissioner. “We believe that technology should be accessible to everyone, and this program aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that our senior community has the tools they need to connect, learn, and thrive in the digital age. Together, we can empower our seniors to stay engaged, informed, and connected.”
“We are excited to announce the launch of the Laptop Initiative for seniors in the Town of Babylon, in partnership with AT&T and Morrison Mentors. The goal of this program is to help our seniors stay connected, informed, and engaged in the digital age,” said Marcus J. Duffin, Town of Babylon Human Services Deputy Commissioner. “By bridging the digital divide, we aim to ensure that our seniors have the resources they need to thrive. It is our responsibility to keep them engaged and connected.”