It takes a village.
— Michael Mecenas, Founder and Director, Brazilian Resource Center
Grant Delivers Community Computing Capacity
New free community resource brings on the tech - from Zoom interview and telehealth appointment space to check-out-laptops
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03 June 2026 – YARMOUTH, MA – A new free community computer workspace, complete with more than 40 broadband-enabled computers and related peripherals, has arrived in Yarmouth.
What is part of the new computer space?
Through a new award from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) , The Brazilian Resource Center in May received 36 laptop computers, 5 desktop computers, a projection system and other related peripherals to form a community computing center address three core pillars: work, education and health monitoring
Sitting amidst a wall of just-arrived boxed computers, center founder and director Michael Mecenas explains that the center that will bring the Cape Cod community both onsite broadband connected use space, training, and support, as well as lend out laptops
My dream always is to have a computer lab giving community access to network, computers, and etcetera” he said.
What funded the computer space?
The Massachusetts Technology Collective’s competitive Connected and Online program launched in 2025 through MBI. Using $28.5 million in federal funding, it will ultimately distribute more than 35,000 internet-enabled devices, along with supportive technology to community-based sites as part of a drive to incrase digirtal assess for all Massahustts residents.
Under the program, the center has received 39 laptops, five desktops, a projector system, printers, and support.
What will happen in the center?
Mecenas said his center has received not only the devices, but also related peripherals such as a projection system. The combined package now allows the center to offer connected workspace with technical support, training, 1 to one device lending, and training and device loans to other community organizations – all at no cost. It also has private quiet space with a connected computer for activities like Zoom job interviews and telehealth appointments.
The initiative was designed to support the broad community. Laptops are available to both individuals and other community organizations. For example, if another organization wanted to train some of its members, the group could check out a block of a dozen computers to use at its location for its own workshop.
Is there a need for community technology?
Despite a sense that “everyone” has technology – the on the ground reality says something quite different. Many people lack knowledge, computer ownership, or access to broadband. Mobile phones often don’t allow the full range of applications that a laptop or desktop computer can either.
Who can use the center?
Don’t let the name of the center suggest a narrow use of the new computer area, says Mecenas – the tech resources are intended for literally everyone and anyone.
“I’ve very excited about this. And I’ve very honored and pleased that we are able to provide this many services for the community and have the community come in and take advantage,” he said.
“It takes a village.”
For more information:
MTC/MBI Connected and Online Program website – https://broadband.masstech.org/connected-online
The Brazilian Resource Center website – https://brazilianresourcecenter.org/
