Who Runs the Cyber Café?
The Cyber Café @ Malden Square was formed and is operated by the Community Technology Access Coalition (CTAC)—7 organizations that recognized the need in our community and lacked the resources, by themselves, to meet that need. Collectively, however, they found the means to open the Café in the heart of downtown Malden, in a busy storefront location that attracts residents and commuters alike. Today, 5 of the 7 original organizations maintain and operate the Cyber Café.
Funds to operate the Café are provided by CTAC members, grants, and through donations from businesses and community members. Partial funds for leasing and renovating the site were received in a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. Funds to hire a part-time site manager were provided through a U.S. Department of Education Community Technology Centers grant. Additional funds for our VISTA member are through the Ameri*Corps/VISTA program. In 2005, funds for the Cyber Café Gateway Program, adding services specifically for people in transition from homelessness, were provided by CTCNet, as part of the Connections 4 Tomorrow program, a federally-funded grant program. In 2006, the Café again received an Ameri*Corps/VISTA grant, enabling us to continue and expand the Gateway Program and strengthen other services.
We are always interested in individuals and organizations willing to help us maintain and continue operation. A coffee machine and supplies were donated by a local business, furniture was donated by a local university, a new server was donated by one partner, 19 upgraded computers were donated by a Boston business, and a number of individuals have made donations that enable us to purchase consumable supplies. If you're interested in helping us out, contact us today.
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