Internet connects agency to world

From Canada to Australia, St. Catherine's Center for Children in Albany is providing support to parents and human services professionals.

According to Kenneth Handin, assistant executive director, the agency has received requests for information and assistance from Brazil, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as places in the United States since launching its website last year.

"We get about 3,000 inquiries a month, which is about 500 people," Mr. Handin said.

St. Catherine's is a multi-service agency providing residential and day programs for children and families challenged by emotional and neurological disabilities, child abuse/neglect or homelessness.

The website includes information on the agency and its programs, employment opportunities, professional and family resources, a speakers bureau, and other information.

"Parents and professionals e-mail us to thank us and tell us how helpful the site is," Mr. Handin said. "Some are interested in information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, for up-to-date information and advice. We put them in contact with people in their area, written resources and other web links."

Why they're there

The site was established for several reasons, he said. "We wanted to increase name recognition of the agency. Also, presence on the web would enhance our image of using state-of-the-art technology."

The site also assists the agency in communication. Children served by the agency come from 18 different school districts; since the districts have access to the Internet, it made sense, Mr. Handin said, to utilize the technology.

"It's been really helpful lately. We started some new ventures, and we can reference the web site in our brochures. We can put more information there," he said.

Community feeling

Use of the internet can provide needed information rather quickly, Mr. Handin said. While it is a vehicle for learning, it is also enjoyable. "It's a lot of fun," he said. "It's very stimulating."

He has found people on the web to be "a community of their own. People are really friendly and giving. It's probably what used to happen in our country 150 years ago. You can establish relationships rather quickly."

While the website has been up and running since last year, there is still excitement for Mr. Handin when requests for information come in. "When I was a youngster, I was a HAM radio operator. It's like the same thing," he said of getting requests from faraway places. "For those people who like to get mail, it's just another way of doing it. It's a kick."

Technology used

The website is just one way St. Catherine's Center utilizes technology, Mr. Handin said, noting: "We use a lot of technology with the children. We have an in-school television station. The kids produce a half-hour weekly news show which is broadcast to the classrooms."

Students also use computers, digital cameras and other forms of technology for learning.

(St. Catherine's Center's website can be accessed at http//www.st-cath.org.)

(07-31-97) [[In-content Ad]]