Ever tried teaching your grandma how to silence notifications? For Shane Ferguson, that everyday moment turned into something much bigger… a movement of kindness.
At just 17 years old, Shane is the founder of Free Tech Help for Seniors, a project that brings patience, empowerment, and practical skills into senior centers across Los Angeles. What started as helping his own grandparents with small phone fixes, like adjusting brightness or figuring out why the battery kept draining, sparked an idea. If his grandparents needed this kind of support, so did countless other older adults!
With that spark, Shane began hosting workshops at local senior centers. His sessions combine big-screen demonstrations with small touches of humanity. He connects his iPhone to a projector, walks seniors through common challenges step by step, and then sits down one-on-one to answer personal questions. From enlarging text for readability, to setting up Medical ID information in case of emergency, to silencing those endless notifications, every tip helps seniors feel a little more in control.
But the real impact isn’t just the technical fixes… it’s the transformation that happens when someone realizes, “I can do this!” Confidence replaces frustration. Connection replaces isolation. And as seniors leave each session excited to share what they’ve learned with friends and family, the ripple keeps growing.
With help from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, Shane will purchase a brighter projector so his presentations are easier to follow in large, sunny rooms. Because when seniors feel capable with their devices, they’re not just fixing settings… they’re staying connected to loved ones, accessing critical care, and strengthening their independence.
What stood out to our jury is the way this project bridges generations. It’s youth-led kindness at its best: a young person stepping up to meet a real community need, and in the process, creating bonds that uplift both teacher and learner. At the TDB Family Foundation, we’re proud to support initiatives that Build Thriving Communities and Amplify Voices of Youth. Free Tech Help for Seniors embodies both, proving that small acts like showing someone how to favorite a contact, can ripple into dignity, empowerment, and lasting connection.
We can’t wait to see how Shane’s project continues to grow and inspire others.
➡️ Want to follow along? Check out @freetechhelpforseniors on Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Shane Ferguson