Seniors E-Connect

About the program

Seniors E-Connect is a digital literacy program for seniors. Teen volunteers (13-17) pair with seniors and help them improve their computer skills. TPL staff provide instruction, guidance and support.

The Seniors E-Connect program:

• helps seniors improve their technology skills
• helps different generations get to know each other
• is a fun way to get involved in your community and help seniors grow their tech confidence.

Please note that volunteer hours gained by volunteering with this program qualify towards the forty hours community service graduation requirement for Ontario high school students.

What our volunteers do

As a Seniors E-Connect volunteer, you will:

• commit to attend scheduled sessions
• help your older adult partner to practice the skills taught in each session
• provide feedback and observations to TPL staff, as needed.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers with the Seniors E-Connect program must:

• speak English fluently
• have knowledge of basic computer skills, use of tablets, smartphones and associated software
• have an interest in working with older adults
• attend a mandatory training session upon acceptance as a volunteer
• be between the ages of 13 and 17.

Volunteer benefits

• Volunteer references and confirmation of hours can be provided upon request.
• Volunteers may make personal photocopies at the staff rate.
• Volunteers may qualify to receive TTC One-Time Use PRESTO cards. Non-resident fees are waived for current volunteers with six months or more of active service.

Time and place

Seniors E-Connect is run at branches with sufficient capacity. The duration and frequency of the program is specific to each branch but does not exceed 2 hours per session. Currently, Seniors E-Connect is being run at the following branches:

• Gerrard/Ashdale
  1432 Gerrard Street East,
  Toronto, ON
  416-393-7717
• Northern District
  40 Orchard View Boulevard,
  Toronto, ON
  416-393-7610
• Pape/Danforth
  701 Pape Avenue,
  Toronto, ON
  416-393-7727
• Steeles
  Bamburgh Gardens Shopping Plaza
  C107-375 Bamburgh Circle,
  Toronto, ON
  416-396-8975

How to volunteer

To begin the application process or for any questions, please drop by or telephone a branch running Seniors E-Connect. You will be provided with an application and if selected, contacted for an interview.