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Federal Program To Provide Seniors With Computers

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- You soon could be getting Facebook friend requests from grandma.

As WBBM Newsradio's Nancy Harty reports, federal funds are paying for 900 computers going to 15 senior housing buildings in Northern Illinois, including six in Chicago and Oak Park.

Congressman Danny Davis said that elderly residents will get Internet training and learn what's possible online.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Nancy Harty reports

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The democrat called the program a tremendous partnership because it also helps the environment and ex-offenders, who repair old computers otherwise headed for landfills.

$5 million dollars will pay for the expansion, including the six facilities in Davis' district.

There are Bethel New Life, Ellis McCoy Apartments, Senior Suites in Bridgeport, Sankofa House Information Resources, Mills Park Terrace and the Oaks.

Davis thinks so highly of Digital Development Corporation of North Lawndale for giving training and jobs to ex-offenders that he says he's hired a few of their technicians to work on his personal computers at home.

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