Reid Temple Senior Services
01.
Introduction

02.
Challenge
The closure of RTSS due to the pandemic posed several challenges for the organization. They needed to find a way to continue providing Bible classes and other activities to their senior community. However, the majority of their members were not technologically savvy, requiring additional support to participate in online programs. RTSS staff needed training to assist senior attendees with limited technical expertise.
03.
Solution

- Building a user-friendly website: Venice Web Design developed a new website with a design tailored to the needs of their senior user community. The website utilized a standard font style and increased font size (12px) to ensure easy readability for older adults.
- Assistance with Zoom account setup: Venice Web Design provided support to RTSS by assisting in the setup of Zoom accounts and facilitating the recording of Bible classes. This allowed RTSS to conduct live virtual sessions and provided an option for participants to view recorded classes later.
- Creation of an RTSS YouTube account: To extend the reach of their Bible classes and other activities, a YouTube account was created for RTSS. This platform allowed them to upload recorded Bible classes and share them online, enabling easy access for their senior community.

04.
Results
- Increased attendance: Despite the physical limitations imposed by the pandemic, RTSS experienced a notable 33% increase in attendance compared to the pre-pandemic period. The virtual format of the Bible classes made them more accessible to a wider audience, attracting new participants and strengthening the sense of community among seniors.
- Enhanced donation capabilities: The new online presence of RTSS, including the website and YouTube channel, enabled the implementation of online giving capabilities. As a result, RTSS experienced increased donations, providing financial stability to support their programs and services.
- Virtual Health & Wellness program: Recognizing the importance of holistic well-being, RTSS expanded their services to include a virtual Health & Wellness program. This program featured exercise and nutrition videos, allowing seniors to prioritize their physical health from the safety of their homes.
- Photo Gallery for personal event sharing: The website’s Photo Gallery feature enabled members to connect and share personal events, fostering a sense of community and allowing seniors to stay engaged with one another despite physical distancing measures.
05.
Conclusion
Reid Temple Senior Services successfully navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging technology to continue providing valuable services to their senior community. Through the development of a user-friendly website, the use of Zoom for live and recorded sessions, and the establishment of an online presence via YouTube, RTSS ensured the continuity of Bible classes and other activities. The positive results achieved, including increased attendance, enhanced donation capabilities, the introduction of a virtual Health & Wellness program, and improved member connectivity through the Photo Gallery, demonstrated the organization’s adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of their senior community.