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New IMCPL Information Center Serves Homeless Parents at IPS Washington Irving School 14
October 14, 2005
IMCPL Foundation representative Roberta Knickerbocker, School 14 Principal R. Elizabeth Odle, IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene G. White, Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Jane Henegar and IMCPL CEO Linda Mielke cut the ribbon.
A new resource to assist homeless parents and families of young schoolchildren in their search for useful community information was dedicated on October 14 at IPS Washington Irving School 14, 1250 E. Market Street.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library’s “Infoports” promote individual growth and self-sufficiency by providing users direct access to information about jobs, housing, educational opportunities, community services and governmental resources. The service consists of three personal computers from which visitors are guided directly to the Library’s portal page and easy-to-access links, streamlining the process of receiving the information they need and reducing unnecessary online navigation.
Young children who accompany parents can be exposed to children’s books and magazines and learn computer skills on two Little Tikes computers.
“This partnership is not only assisting us in opening the doors of opportunity for our parents, but it is helping us support parents as they investigate and foster the connectivity of their opportunities to the community at large,” said R. Elizabeth Odle, Principal of IPS Washington Irving School 14.
The “Infoports” will offer web-based e-mail service, essential for many whose e-mail address is their only residence to allow them to stay in contact with their families. Plus, informational videos will be provided on such life skills topics as resume preparation, job interviewing and money management.
“The Public Library has a unique opportunity not only to provide support, but to assist individuals in their journey to self-sufficiency by connecting them with useful information,” said Linda Mielke, CEO of IMCPL.
In addition to Library and School 14 officials, those attending dedication ceremonies included Dr. Eugene G. White, IPS Superintendent, and Jane Henegar, Deputy Mayor of the City of Indianapolis.
The IMCPL information center is funded through grants received by the IMCPL Foundation from the Hoover Family Foundation and The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund, a Central Indiana Community Foundation affiliate.
