Building Digital Skills and Community Across Greater Portland
In a region where staying connected is essential for work, school, healthcare, and daily life, Greater Portland is taking meaningful steps to close the digital divide.
Earlier this month, Community Services Network (CSN) partnered with Comcast, along with local organizations Free Geek and Latino Network, to host a Digital Skill-Building Launch and Wellness Convening at La Plaza Esperanza in Portland. The gathering brought together nonprofit and government service providers from across the metro area—people who work every day to support our neighbors—to strengthen digital skills, share ideas, and invest in community well-being.
The event focused on supporting Digital Navigators, who are trusted community members who help individuals get online, learn how to use devices, and build the digital confidence needed to access essential services. Since 2021, Comcast has invested more than $60 million nationwide to support nonprofits working to expand digital access, helping communities like ours stay connected in an increasingly online world.
Beyond training and collaboration, the convening also made space for something often overlooked: wellness. Attendees participated in a guided mindfulness session, recognizing that the people who care for our community need care and support themselves.
The day ended with an unexpected moment of generosity. Comcast surprised attendees by donating 50 laptops, asking organizations to distribute them directly to individuals and families in need throughout the Portland metro area—putting technology where it can make an immediate difference.
“When we expand access to critical digital skill-building for frontline staff, we’re supporting the people who show up every day,” said Annie Lindekugel, Executive Director of CSN. “It reduces strain, strengthens collaboration, and improves how we collectively serve community—truly a win-win all around.”
Founded in 2018, CSN has grown into a trusted convener focused on strengthening the social service sector from the inside out, supporting both organizational capacity and individual resilience so communities receive more coordinated, effective care. Comcast has been a proud partner in that work for several years, helping ensure local organizations have access to the resources they need to serve Portlanders well.
For residents across greater Portland, this work is about more than technology. It’s about connection, opportunity, and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.