Big Momma: The Reason for it All

Posted on December 14th, 2022.

My great grandmother, who I call Big Momma, always had a heart of gold. Over the years, she dedicated her life to brightening the days of those in need. She visited nursing homes and sang songs, told stories, and brought joy to everyone around her. Even as a kid, I was moved by her giving nature.

As I grew older, I started helping Big Momma with her volunteer work at those nursing homes. Spending time with all those wonderful people really opened my eyes to how important service is—it was an invaluable lesson that stuck with me forever.

Big Momma is elderly herself now with health issues that restrain mobility but not personality—nothing can stop this firecracker from doing what she loves most—helping others in need.

But while visiting Big Momma in her senior living community recently, I noticed something else that needed attention: tech support for the elderly folks there! With almost everything being accessible through the internet, older adults like Big Momma are facing an increasing number of barriers to vital government services, medical assistance, and social resources available online.

To complicate matters further, they often have little support in navigating these digital tasks which can ultimately leave them feeling frustrated. Many of them depend on family and caretakers to help, and though there is real love between generations here, it’s no secret that both parties may come out of these situations wishing for the elders to be more tech-savvy.

I knew right away what I had to do: help make technology accessible for everyone! So, after some research (and some convincing) we started up our own tech support team specifically for senior communities in Seattle—something that hadn't been done before! And guess who was on board? You guessed it, Big Momma!

It's been incredible seeing how we’re making a difference in the lives of real people. It’s so rewarding! Seniors in our communities can get the help they need to live independently with dignity—all inspired by one woman’s big heart: my great grandmother…Big Momma.