TechServe

With the current COVID-19 pandemic leading to the implementation of physical distancing measures, the level of face to face interaction has decreased dramatically. As a result, many people have turned to online video chat platforms, such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Webex Meet, and Slack, for communication. However, thousands of individuals lack the technological competency to utilize these applications effectively, particularly elderly populations, leading to the reliance on telephone calls as their only form of communication. The resulting level of social isolation could be very detrimental to the mental well-being of these individuals, especially considering the uncertainty of the time frame of the pandemic precautionary measures. TechServeTO is an organization which provides free technical support to these populations, with the primary goal of helping them learn how to keep in contact with loved ones using video chat platforms. Support is provided via telephone and email services, where individuals are paired with a volunteer that will serve to answer their burning questions related to technology and provide in-depth, insightful instruction.