Income-eligible residents can receive a no-cost laptop through Family Services of Southern Wisconsin

Hillsboro School District students will use Acer Chromebooks, similar to the one pictured. The laptop uses a web browser system that updates itself automatically. - photo by amazon.com photo

acer chromebook — Hillsboro School District students will use Acer Chromebooks, similar to the one pictured. The laptop uses a web browser system that updates itself automatically. - photo by amazon.com photo

MONROE/BRODHEAD — Family Services of Southern Wisconsin, in partnership with United Way Wisconsin and Techquity Wisconsin, is helping bridge the digital divide by providing income-eligible individuals with access to no-cost laptops and digital navigation support.

Individuals receiving state assistance, such as FoodShare qualify.

Laptops will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number available at each event.

Laptop distribution events will be held at two local community locations:

● October 12: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thrift & Thrive 1020 17th Ave. Monroe

● October 29: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Memorial Public Library 1207 25th St. Brodhead

Eligible participants may qualify for a long-term, no-cost laptop, personalized assistance to maximize use of the device, and referrals to additional community resources, including Public Service Commission (PSC) Lifeline telecommunications benefits, Community/Utility Skills courses, and more.

The program is designed to help individuals overcome barriers to technology access and build the digital skills needed for education, employment, health care, personal communication, and other essential services.

“Access to reliable technology is increasingly important in nearly every aspect of daily life,” said Paige Allen of Family Services of Wisconsin. “These laptop distribution events provide an opportunity for eligible community members to gain access to technology while also receiving support to make the most of their devices.”

Participants can scan the QR code on the event flyer for the appropriate distribution date.

For questions or assistance with registration, contact Paige Allen at pallen@familyservices1.org or 608-365-1244. Spanish-speaking advocates are available.

Techquity Wisconsin works to bridge Wisconsin’s digital divide by supporting individuals in achieving educational, employment, health, and personal goals through access to technology and digital navigation support.

This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number CPFFN0201, awarded to United Way of Wisconsin through $16,459,684.90 of funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of Wisconsin, acting by and through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.