We are excited! There are some big changes coming at SDM, and we are delighted to share our plans for SDM in 2026 with you.
Leadership
We are thrilled to share our wonderful news, that after many years in which she has shaped our programs, supported our staff, and strengthened our mission, Sara Murray is now stepping into the role of Executive Director!
This transition reflects not only her deep belief in our mission, but also the tremendous impact she’s had on the organization and our clients. Her vision, energy, and expertise have helped us grow into who we are today, and we couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.
Kristin Thorp passionately led the SDM Foundation for our first 10 years, and she is not leaving us now. Kristin and Sara have worked together to steer SDM, and will continue this teamwork going forward. This change helps set our direction for the future, ensuring a seamless transition down the road.
This is an incredibly positive moment for our organization, and we know their leadership will help us grow, strengthen our programs, and expand the support we provide to the community. Please join us in congratulating Sara on this well-earned new role!
10th Anniversary
We are also excited to celebrate a major milestone: our 10th anniversary! For a full decade, we’ve had the privilege of serving our community. We have supported our clients, and grown alongside the people who make our work meaningful. We have done this while maintaining our commitment to offering our services at no cost. That is no small feat, and we are very proud! What began as a small vision with three employees ten years ago, has become a thriving, trusted presence that has helped thousands of people learn to use technology better.
As we look ahead to the next ten years, we are filled with energy and passion. We will continue to innovate, allowing us to help more people in more ways. We hope you will help us celebrate the past, embrace the future, and make the next ten years even better!
Let’s Celebrate!
Ten years is a milestone, and we plan to celebrate in style!
In the spring, we are planning an event to thank our long-time supporters. We wouldn’t be where we are without our community and local business partners. Then, to mark the anniversary of our official opening on July 11, 2016, we will be holding an Open House event on July 9. We are planning an exciting day! This will include demos of our kids’ lessons (e.g. digital art and Lego robotics) and hand-on experiences with different devices. There will be a cake cutting and thank-yous. We will have a presentation and demo of our online learning content (website and other online channels), and more! Watch this space for updates as we firm up our plans!
Programs
In 2026 we will be continuing our popular programs, and trying some different things! We are always looking for new ways to reach our clients, and to expand that reach beyond the confines of our shop. Our online presence continues to grow, so we want to build resources that help all our clients, near and far. We have a unique insight into what the people we help actually need. This insight allows us to design lessons and resources that meet those needs fully and clearly.
ShopTalks@SDM
We are launching something new in February! A series of ShopTalks@SDM (our small-group presentation and discussion sessions) with invited clients presenting! We are really excited to host these, and to give an opportunity to our clients to share their technology wins and lessons learnt.
February 5, 10.00am: Drones, with Joe Turner
March 5, 10.00am: Podcasting, with Kathy Vines
April 2, 10.00am: Using Tech to Build Your Business, with Lupita Sather
If you’d like to present at one of these sessions, get in touch!
Small Business
We love our small business clients. We learn so much from you, every day. You challenge us, and amaze us, and make us very proud. We will continue to hold our monthly meetings, but we are looking at ways that we can increase engagement and transfer of knowledge. We’re open to suggestions, so please let us know if there is something you would like to see. Some initial ideas include Zoom meetings in addition to in-person, new resources in our dedicated small business online self-study area,
Kids’ Lessons
We will continue our hugely successful kids’ lessons during February, April and summer vacations. We want to ensure that lessons are focused, with detailed lesson plans that meet the needs of different skill levels. Providing lessons at both a beginner and advanced level allows kids to learn at the right pace, and have the opportunity to progress.
Sponsorships
As we look forward to the next ten years, we are cognizant of funds and the part that donations and grants will play going forward. To that end, we will be offering local businesses and individuals sponsorship opportunities to help support our lesson series’ (for both kids and older adults).
All our programs aim to meet our clients educational and career objectives and needs. Our mission is to provide access to technology, to reduce isolation, and to promote creativity, self confidence and connection.
Summer Kids’ Lessons
Around 50 kids participate in our summer lessons annually. Your support will allow us to increase the number of lessons we can provide. It will give us the opportunity to buy new equipment as needed. Our aim is to create a strong program for the kids in our community to learn more about technology. Sponsorship levels and benefits will be available soon!
ShopTalks@SDM
Our ShopTalks series is aimed at older adults. We would like to expand the reach of these presentations and discussions, by providing remote attendance opportunities alongside in-person. Your support will allow us to buy the equipment needed, and to focus staff time on creation of materials and support. Sponsorship levels and benefits will be available soon.
Rebrand
Looking forward to the next ten years, we feel it’s time for an update of our branding and website. Over the next few months we will be refreshing our brand identity. We will also be updating our website to include more resources, an improved visitor experience and a new look! Watch this space!
