Silver Safe and Secure

Silver Safe and Secure is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, established in 2023 and recognized by the State of Texas. The organization is dedicated to empowering older adults through free digital literacy and online safety workshops. Its mission focuses on educating seniors to navigate the digital world confidently and securely, thereby preventing financial loss and safeguarding emotional well-being.

Goals and Approach

Silver Safe and Secure offers hands-on, practical workshops designed specifically for older adults. These sessions are structured to be engaging and straightforward, focusing on real-world scenarios that help participants recognize common scams, understand online safety practices, and build confidence in using digital tools. The organization's approach emphasizes the importance of learning being empowering and enjoyable, with patient and knowledgeable instructors guiding participants.

Impact

Workshop attendees have reported significant improvements in their ability to identify scams, with some participants showing a 118% to 150% increase in scam-spotting abilities after attending just one workshop. Beyond numerical success, the organization also shares stories of individuals who have regained their confidence and peace of mind. For instance, individuals who had previously fallen victim to scams were able to work through their feelings and understand that being scammed is not their fault.

Workshops and Operations

Silver Safe and Secure primarily hosts workshops in Texas, Colorado, and Japan, providing them at no cost to participants. The organization's workshops cover topics such as phishing and email scams, romance scams, and tech support scams. They provide practical tips to help older adults protect themselves online.

Mission and Community Engagement

Silver Safe and Secure invites the community to participate in its mission through attending workshops, volunteering, or supporting its cause through donations. The organization believes that collective involvement can create a safer digital environment for older adults.

Challenges and Rewards

Due to the nature of its work combating scams, Silver Safe and Secure has become a target for retaliatory scams and fraud attempts. This underscores the impact of their efforts and the need for secure and direct support mechanisms. Despite these challenges, the organization continues to make a difference in the lives of older adults by empowering them with digital literacy and online safety knowledge.