Dr. Taras J. Herbowy, Executive Director of the Utica Municipal Housing Authority (UMHA), announced today that the newly renovated ND Peters Neighborhood Networks Center is now open. The new center, located in J Building at N.D. Peters Manor apartments in East Utica, provides double the space of the former center, has new equipment, and offers expanded programs and services. The new center is also home to the UMHA Community Resource Department. The center is open to residents from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Adults can utilize the center until 2:30 each day. After 2:30 p.m., after-school programs are provided. Evening programs are also offered to residents.
The N.D, Peters Neighborhood Network Center provides computer and job skills training and other necessary resources to increase the self-sufficiency, employability and quality of life for residents. Adult programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and job readiness workshops. An extensive after-school program for children provides homework help, intensive reading, tutoring, adolescent support groups, field trips and leadership activities. The N.D. Peters Neighborhood Networks Center is part of a group of more than 1,000 Neighborhood Networks centers that have opened nationwide. Launched by HUD in 1995, Neighborhood Networks is a community-based program that provides residents of HUD insured and assisted housing with onsite access to computer technology, resources, and job-training skills as a vehicle to self-sufficiency. The computer center is located in the public housing development in East Utica on Culver and Armory Drives. The UMHA also operates Neighborhood Networks Centers at Gillmore Village and Perretta Twin Towers.
Volunteers and donations are needed to maintain the Center. Volunteers will provide tutoring to children and adults, instruction in using computer software, and help in learning job readiness skills. Please contact John Furman at 735-3362, ext. 34 if you would like to volunteer or make a contribution. His email address is jfurman@uticamha.org.
