Computer Resource Centers

Committed to bridging the so-called “Digital Divide,” Bellwood provides its residents with access to two popular, state-of-the-art Computer Resources Centers that are strategically located and easy to reach – and free! Each center is a valued resource for students to conduct research, adult residents to prepare resumes and search for jobs online, and for senior citizens to spend time figuratively traveling to new destinations around the world through the Internet.

The multi-function facilities – which are regularly used by pre-school children and seniors alike – are managed by Director Jesse J. Williams and Assistant Carolyn Young, both of whom can provide users with instruction and training ranging from basic computer use to job searches and how to write a resume. The Computer Resource Centers, which also provide a wealth of other services that make them multi-purpose resource centers, are located at:

The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 noon; and closed on Sunday.

The facility on Eastern Avenue, which was opened after the Bellwood Avenue location and in response to the high demand, is four times as large as the Bellwood Avenue center and includes classroom space and lab space for computer technician training. It also includes office space to facilitate community outreach, and is home to community meetings, training and other events.

The centers, which have significantly benefitted from the support of Bellwood’s technology partner Best Buy, offer the latest in hardware and software by way of more than 24 workstations at each facility; wireless Internet access; Microsoft Vista operating system; and Microsoft Office Enterprise Suite. In addition, staff offers a variety of programs, services and training classes, including:

• Basic computer training (3 weeks)  ** Next Class April 5 - April 23, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Monday through Friday **
• Microsoft Office Seminars (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Business Workshops (all taught by Triton College staff)
  ** Next Class CIS E06 019 - Basic Excel March 30 - April 14, 6:00 pm - 8:25 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, $106 **      
                                             Call (708) 456-0300, ext 3500 to register today
• CEDA Adult Continuing Education & Work/Job Readiness Workshops  ** Next Workshop April 16, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm **
• Video conferencing
• Copying, printing, faxing (send & receive) and scanning services
• Job  search assistance
• Meeting space (click here for a Special Event/Program application)

Click here to view a list of upcoming Computer and Business Training classes

The two facilities also are an extension of Bellwood’s well-received Computer Rebate Program, which to date has helped nearly 700 households in the village purchase a desktop computer or laptop of their choice from Best Buy or any retailer they chose and receive a $200 rebate from the village once all required supporting documents have been submitted. The program, which has been featured in both the local and major news media, also provides 50 percent off the purchase of computer software or computer-related equipment like cables.
 
In addition, the centers double as the site of the village’s Food Pantry and is the headquarters of the Bellwood Neighborhood Watch Scholarship Fund, which works to ensure that all youth have the opportunity to obtain an education beyond high school, earn a degree and become productive citizens and role models.

Click here to view Bellwood/Best Buy video describing “Computers For Bellwood program”

Click here for the guidelines for Bellwood Neighborhood Watch Scholarship Fund.
Click here for a Bellwood Neighborhood Watch Scholarship Fund application.

 
The Computer Resource Centers also are home to a program conducted by Triton Community College, namely A+ Certification training for students who qualified for free tuition through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Best Buy is the corporate partner in the grant. As part of the training, students will shadow Geek Squad technicians from the Melrose Park Best Buy store. Upon completion of the course, students will be qualified to enter the work force in a desirable salary range.

Said Bellwood Mayor Frank A. Pasquale, “These centers offer every resident the opportunity to use the most up-to-date equipment available. With computer resource centers on the south and north sides of town, residents have easy access to these facilities. We want everyone from our youngest students to our seniors and everyone in between to take full advantage of these great resources.”