Hank Utay’s GRIT Initiative Tech Sundays set

By Deb Silverthorn

L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, has new meaning as Dallas teen Hank Utay hosts Tech Sunday, spending weekend afternoons tutoring seniors on technology at The Legacy Midtown Park. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet or computer, Utay has the answers to help the residents utilize today’s communication resources.

This spring, Utay’s sessions will run from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, April 6 and 27 and May 4 and 18, in the main boardroom of the LMP campus.

“The people I work with are always upbeat, happy and eager to learn,” said Utay, who founded GRIT Initiative — Guidance, Resources, Interaction Technology. “I am committed to making technology accessible and I see grit in all of my clients. They want to know more about their technology and are excited to learn new skills.

“We talk about tech but we also talk about our lives,” he said. “While they are gaining the skills to use their devices, I am gaining empathy, patience and wisdom. Those attributes will impact whatever I do in my future.”

Utay works one-on-one or in a group setting, answering questions about sending photos, restarting phones, setting up medical portals and more. He also plans on offering mini-lectures about online safety, artificial intelligence, online shopping and other topics as well.

“Hank is a very patient young man and a great help,” said Zelene Lovitt, who has attended many of Utay’s Sunday sessions. “No matter how many people show up, he is able to juggle us all with a smile. He knows so much. And, when he’s stumped, he knows the resources to go to in order to figure it out and help us navigate the issue.”

LMP resident Mimi Cohen said, “It’s such a mitzvah to have someone help those of us who are less tech-oriented. Hank’s a nice guy and I like him a lot. He’s an amazing example of how young people can help others.”

The self-taught Greenhill School junior was inspired to help others when during the COVID-19 pandemic, in preparation for his bar mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El, all in-person mitzvah projects were sidelined for social distancing.

“Everybody’s mitzvah projects changed because we couldn’t go to any organizations and do anything hands-on,” said Utay. “People at the temple knew I enjoyed technology and asked me to help the seniors who had never used computers before to attend virtual services.

“So many people were ordering groceries and meals for the first time and I was glad to help them do that,” he said. “The idea for Tech Sunday grew from those experiences.”

The only child of Sam and the late Alan Utay, Utay enjoys photography, holds an FAA commercial drone license and is a member of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Junior Board.

“We’re thrilled to have Hank here. He is competent beyond his years and the residents absolutely love him,” said Rivae Campo, volunteer engagement manager at The Legacy Senior Communities. “He is an example of bringing talent into the community and making a difference.”

Utay’s grandmother Carol Miller, who moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to LMP last summer, said having her own personal tech-support person is special.

“He’s the love of my life. We’ve gone from my attending his plays and grandparent days — all of it — to his being here for me and others,” she said. “People here are crazy about him. I’m proud of him and I love being known as Hank’s grandmother.

“Hank has all the warmth and kindness that his father Alan and his grandfather — my husband Herb, of blessed memory — always displayed,” added Miller. “He’s a mirror image of those two men and just wonderful in his own right.”

LMP residents should register through the campus’ Wellzesta app or just come to the sessions. Nonresidents can reach out to Utay’s GRIT Initiative at info@gritinitiative.org.