The LGBTQ Center OC is pushing forward and expanding tech access with the Grand Re-Opening of the David Bohnett Cyber Center.

Internet access has become more of a necessity than a luxury as its use has grown exponentially. It has flushed into every aspect of our lives both professionally and personally, and this growth has created a digital divide for those without internet access. Thanks to the David Bohnett Foundation the LGBTQ Center OC will be receiving ten all new IBM Lenovo computers fully equipped with Microsoft Office. With job opportunities and crucial aspects of our socia   l lives depending more heavily on the web every day the LGBTQ Center OC is proud to offer a newly refreshed cyber center to the LGBTQ community of Orange County.

“The David Bohnett Cyber Center continues to be a tremendous asset and resource to the LGBTQ Center OC and the people we serve,”

At the re-opening of The David Bohnett Cyber Center attendees celebrated its success and impact in Orange County. “The David Bohnett Cyber Center continues to be a tremendous asset and resource to the LGBTQ Center OC and the people we serve,” said Kevin O’Grady Executive Director at The LGBTQ Center OC. “…It keeps our center up to date and provides a great service to the community by giving them access to resources they would not have otherwise in an affirming environment.” Access to the internet and software has become extensively crucial as society dives further into the digital age. With this rapid change the David Bohnett Cyber Center has become increasingly important at the LGBTQ Center OC.

The new funding is part of a series of grants totaling $500,000 to David Bohnett centers across the country. The David Bohnett Foundation started the “refresh” program in 2004 to keep each Cyber Center up to date. Each one is supplied with state-of-the art computers, software, and equipment. This year the David Bohnett Foundation is funding 29 different sites with refresh grants throughout the country.

The David Bohnett Foundation’s vision for the cyber centers was to provide a “wired” hub to LGBTQ communities that allows it member to connect to each other and explore educational, professional, and recreational opportunities. Hoping to provide LGBTQ of all ages with quality internet access and a safe place to work and socialize the David Bohnett Foundation currently has a total of 60 active cyber centers throughout the country. Paul Moore, Program Officer at the David Bohnett Foundation, remarked “The Cyber Centers have provided a life line for people of all ages- from youth who may find themselves without a support system- to seniors who may have little to no familiarity with computers. In today’s increasingly Internet-driven world, we are happy to provide regular ‘refresh’ grants enabling groups to keep pace with the many advances in computer hardware and software.”