Personalized digital support and scam awareness efforts are helping older adults navigate technology with confidence at the Palestine Senior Activity Center.
The following is a recap summarizing presentations delivered to the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion on June 20, 2025. Speakers included Bryan Shepard and Yolanda Robinson from the Palestine Senior Activity Center, along with contributions from coalition members discussing scam prevention, senior digital literacy, and World Cup readiness.
Palestine Senior Center: Building Digital Skills Through Trust and Relevance
Bryan Shepard and Yolanda Robinson from the Palestine Senior Activity Center presented their work supporting older adults through hands-on digital literacy programs. The team emphasized that access to devices is no longer the primary barrier—what seniors need most is one-on-one support and someone who can speak to them “on their level.”
In partnership with the public library, the center hosts weekly smartphone classes, which have sparked growing interest in technology. These sessions are reinforced through a Senior Empowerment Council, where seniors and stakeholders meet monthly to identify key needs—from scam awareness to device comfort.
A recent refresh of school-based iPads has created an opportunity to redistribute working tablets to older residents. The center plans to pair these with basic training so that seniors not only receive a device, but also know how to use it confidently. The ultimate goal is for each participant to walk away with both knowledge and access.
Seniors at Risk: Scams, Robocalls, and Online Safety
The conversation turned to online safety, with Yolanda sharing that seniors have reported encounters with dating scams and deceptive calls. Some have avoided critical services—like applying for a city home repair grant—because they lacked email access or didn’t know how to navigate online systems.
Coalition members echoed concerns about scam tactics. One attendee described how robocalls use SIP-based auto dialers to probe responses and verify identities. The consensus: education must include not only how to use technology, but how to spot potential threats.
Digital literacy instructors in the coalition were encouraged to share resources such as prebuilt scam awareness classes and streaming workshops that are already available through partners.
Looking Ahead: Kansas City Prepares for the World Cup
As Kansas City prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Pedro Zamora, Executive Director of the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation(HEDC) led the coalition to reflect on the digital readiness needed for such a global event. With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected, there’s a growing need for digital ambassadors who can help residents and tourists navigate information, services, and the city itself.
Volunteers will play a vital role in representing Kansas City’s communities—and the coalition is already thinking about how to support that effort through training and outreach.
Key Takeaway: Digital Access Is Personal, Local, and Urgent
Whether it’s checking test results, applying for services, or avoiding scams, digital skills are now essential for daily life. Programs like those at the Palestine Senior Center show that trusted relationships, relevant curriculum, and patient guidance are critical to reaching underserved populations.
Want to get involved?
Visit digitalinclusionkc.org to learn more, sign up for updates, or watch past meetings.