For Southeast Ohio’s Digital Navigator, Every Day is a Good Day

“The difference between opportunity and frustration often comes down to a simple digital connection,” said Abby Russell. Abby serves as the digital navigator for Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP), an organization selected by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) to develop a National Digital Navigator Corps program. Along with support from a Google grant, the hiring of community-based resources in rural areas like Abby is possible. In Appalachian Southeast Ohio, where broadband access is often sparse, and computer skills are critical, Abby spends her days helping residents become more familiar with technology and enhance their digital skills. Abby’s work reshapes how residents can connect to resources, family, essential services, and opportunities. Here, reliable internet can be hard to find and often expensive. Simply getting online is a significant hurdle, and many county services require online accounts to access benefits. As a community-based resource, Abby is here to help.