Neighborhood Networks Program
Empowering the Community (EMPOWERLINK):
Through collaboration with the Carrollton City School System, the City of Carrollton Housing Authority, the City of Carrollton, and the Carrollton City Schools Educational Foundation the EMPOWERLINK system now operates in the homes of public housing residents. The EMPOWERLINK system, the only school-to-home computer network of its kind in the nation, links public housing apartments directly to the City of Carrollton School System Network through the city’s fiber optic cable. With the first phase now complete, approximately 25 homes with school-age children are closer to closing the educational gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" through technological resources. These resources include home computers, the Carrollton City Schools network of learning tools and software, and access to the Internet.
The Neighborhood Networks EMPOWERLINK program is currently available to Griffin Homes residents who have children between the ages of 4-18 years who also attend the City of Carrollton School System.
If you have questions or concerns, contact Matthew Kittle, Information Technology Specialist, (770)834-5480 ext. 16 or Ken Winters, Neighborhood Networks Program Director, (770)834-5480 ext. 14.
The Neighborhood Network Program is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through a competitive grant process that was awarded to the City of Carrollton Housing Authority in FY2004.
Job Search Program:
The City of Carrollton Housing Authority Job Search Program also operates under the Neighborhood Networks Program. This program provides employment services to Public Housing residents to help them find more sustainable, long-term employment options. The program is facilitated by The Neighborhood Networks Job Center, who collaborates with local businesses and agencies to provide clients with current information on local job opportunities. This information is provided to clients through mail outs, flyers, postings, and personal contact (phone calls or appointments). The Job Center also conducts client orientation with each new participant, which determines education level, work history, job skills and desires.
The Job Search Program also offers the following services to employment service clients: resume writing instruction, application completion, motivational support, job assisting, job training skills, as well as, transportation to local, scheduled Job Fairs/Expos. Clients are also provided with information on the following topics: How to Dress for a Job Interview, How to Maintain Working Relationships in the Workplace, What Employers expect from Employees, Time Management, Career Guidance, and Problem Solving Skills.
In 2005, over 64 clients received employment through the Neighborhood Networks Job Search Program. The Job Search Program is working hard to surpass that number. The Job Search Program also plans to expand its services to adolescent youth. The NNG staff is working hard to implement the Young Equipped Scholars (YES) Program within the Carrollton City School System. This program will work directly with adolescent youth in an after school setting to equip them with the skills necessary to become an active, productive member of the workforce.
If you are in need of employment services or would like more information on the Neighborhood Networks Job Search Program, please contact the Neighborhood Networks Job Center at (770)836-1966 or Ken Winters, Neighborhood Networks Program Director at (770)834-5480 ext. 14.
