Fort Valley State Extension helps Lowndes County cope with power outage

Residents of south Georgia impacted by Hurricane Helene were able to receive some relief through Fort Valley State University’s (FVSU) Cooperative Extension Program.

FVSU’s Mobile Information Technology Center, (MITC) a high-tech computer classroom housed in a 72-foot semi-trailer, equipped with twenty individual training stations and an on-board 35-kilowatt generator, traveled to Lowndes County to help residents of Hahira.

Residents were able to gain Internet access to complete work projects and plan for cleanup and seek assistance from state and federal agencies.

“I knew that we needed resources, and I knew that the mobile unit would be perfect because it was equipped so that people could charge their devices and give them Internet accessibility,” said Joshua Dawson, FVSU Extension agent for Lowndes County.

“With widespread power outages, people still needed to work and contact others. Having this available to the community and the surrounding areas is vital to local businesses and people who need some relief,” Dawson said.

Mavis Waters, a support account manager for the software company ORACLE, was working out of her car and commuting to a neighbor’s house to complete her work when she found out about the availability of the MITC.

“It was like I was still in an office or at home working. I was able to do everything I needed, and I saw no difference than being in a corporate office. Everything was in place,” Waters said.

Jennifer Price, director of Main Street for the city of Hahira, expressed relief when she found out that FVSU Extension could aid the community. Price said that after contacting Dawson, within a few hours the unit arrived and was up and running in Hahira.

“One of the things I enjoyed the most is watching grandmothers come down with their grandchildren. While the grandmothers are charging their phones or checking e-mail, the grandchildren could watch movies,” she said.

While no one wants to experience another hurricane, Price feels at ease knowing she can call up FVSU’s MITC in the event of another natural disaster.

“This is an incredible resource to have. Prior to this, I had no idea equipment like this existed,” Price said. “We’re just incredibly thankful. In the future, while we don’t want another natural disaster, we consider Fort Valley State friends of ours in Hahira, and we will absolutely reach out for assistance,” Price said.

Additionally, Terrence Wolfork, assistant administrator for communications, conferencing and technology for FVSU Cooperative Extension, said the MITC is just one example of FVSU’s ability to provide help to Georgia’s residents.

“FVSU was grateful to collaborate with our Extension agent, Joshua Dawson by providing the MITC to support the individuals and communities affected by Hurricane Helene. This collaboration enabled us to expand our program offerings and our community networks,” Wolfork said.

For more information about the MITC or to schedule an appointment, contact Terrence Wolfork, at (478) 825-6053 or email wolforkt@fvsu.edu.