Tech Time Cincinnati Foundation is a non-profit that provides free and low-cost smartphone and computer classes for seniors and veterans so they can stay connected to family, access healthcare, and live more independently. Your gift sponsors free classes in our 2025- 2026 tech programs.
Our Story
Life for many seniors changed in 2020 when everything went online due to the pandemic and the world became digital. Our founder’s 75 year old mother Patrice was an established elementary teacher here in Cincinnati with 45 years under her belt. Although knowledgeable in her craft she was unable to transition from classroom instruction to virtual lessons and was forced to retire earlier than she had planned. This was a choice some of her elderly colleagues decided was best for them as well. Doctor visits moved to patient portals, family photos went to phones, and important information shifted online but like so many seniors, Patrice didn’t have the skills or confidence to keep up. In this time at home Patrice developed dementia and began to forget simple things like how to make and receive calls which was a strain on communication that was once enjoyed everyday. The founder’s father, although present, had very little tech skills to assist Patrice. With both parents struggling with technology for their everyday needs the founder began to search for solutions.
Out of this experience, Tech Time Cincinnati Foundation was born.
We now teach older adults, veterans, and other community members how to use smartphones, computers, and the internet in ways that keep them safe, connected, and mentally engaged. But many of the people who need these classes the most cannot afford them. In the Cincinnati region, thousands of older adults still struggle with technology with limited knowledge of the internet, device training, and no one to ask for help. This can mean missed telehealth appointments, isolation from family, difficulty accessing benefits, and higher risk of scams and fraud.
In one of our “Tech It Easy Basic Cell Phone” classes, a student was so excited after finally learning how to use FaceTime that they called at 2 a.m. just to say, “Look, I did it!” That joy and that need is exactly why we do this work. Tech Time Cincinnati Foundation is raising funds so we can offer more free and low-cost tech classes in 2025-2026, especially for seniors and veterans.
What Your Donation Supports
Your gift directly funds:
- Free senior & veteran smartphone classes at local Cincinnati Public Library branches and partner sites such as OhioMeansJobs on Central Parkway.
- Digital Literacy Bootcamps that cover basic computer skills, email, internet safety, video calling, online forms, and accessing telehealth and benefits.
- Practice phones, devices, and printed step‑by‑step guides so learners can keep practicing after class.
- Small-group and one-on-one support, including extra time for those who need more hands-on help and follow-up questions.
We partner with Cincinnati Public Library branches and OhioMeansJobs to bring these services directly into neighborhoods where people already feel comfortable walking in for help.
Why This Matters Now
Every year, more essential services move online like healthcare, banking, benefits, transportation, even staying in touch with family. For those who don’t have digital skills, this shift can mean deeper isolation and fewer options. A simple smartphone or computer skill can be the difference between:
- Missing an important medical message vs. checking a patient portal.
- Feeling alone vs. laughing with family on video chat.
- Being vulnerable to scams vs. recognizing and avoiding them.
Your donation helps close that gap for Cincinnati’s seniors and veterans, one class at a time.
How You Can Help
- Donate any amount you can. Every gift truly makes a difference.
- Share this fundraiser with friends, coworkers, and on social media.
In addition to financial support, we also welcome donations of gently used laptops, tablets, and smartphones that can be used in our classes. Devices should be in good working condition and no more than a few years old. If you’re interested in donating equipment, please contact us so we can share our current needs and drop-off details.
From the 2 a.m. “I finally did it!” FaceTime calls to the quiet moments when a grandparent sends their very first text, your support helps create real, life-changing connections. Thank you for helping Cincinnati’s seniors and veterans stay connected, independent, and confident in technology.
Organizer
