Walter Prescher, a father of twelve, Methodist pastor, and Iraq war veteran with three Army tours, has been working hard to help other veterans and military families across rural areas surrounding Houston get more comfortable using the internet. His deep connection to the community, especially with veterans, makes him a trusted figure as a community resource for people in hard-to-reach areas, teaching them how to use technology to access services, stay in touch with loved ones, and be safe online. 

For Walter, it’s more than just teaching people how to use a computer—it’s about changing lives. “A big part of what I do is help military families build the lives they want during and after service,” Walter shares. “The internet has been a game-changer for so many of them. From telehealth to staying connected with their benefits, it’s all digital now.”

Walter’s military service and familiarity with the community, led the Easter Seals of Greater Houston (ESGH) to hire him as its digital navigator for their community of veterans, people with disabilities, and their families. 

When ESGH was selected to be a part of NDIA’s National Digital Navigator Corp, funding from the program’s sponsor, Google.org, enabled the hiring of a digital navigator to reach the often-overlooked rural communities in southeast Texas. The ESGH has been delivering help to those who need it most, and their digital inclusion efforts are no exception. Walter’s work has been a natural extension to ESGH’s BridgingApps, an online program that provides education and support on all kinds of devices, helping people with disabilities improve their skills. 

What makes this program truly special is its personalized approach. Walter doesn’t just drop off a device and move on—he works with people in community spaces, one-on-one, making sure they understand how to use the technology and feel confident doing it. His ability to meet people where they are, both literally and figuratively, has made all the difference in these rural communities.

One memorable moment for Water was helping a widower struggling with his smartphone, laptop, and fixed wireless internet. He wanted to stream TV and movies and connect with his son and grandchildren, who live out of state. When Walter helped him call his son on FaceTime, he cried. It was his first time seeing his grandchildren’s faces in 18 months. 

Walter’s work is especially impactful for veterans who rely heavily on online services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Enrolling in benefits requires broadband access, the proper devices, and the digital know-how to navigate it all. 

The challenges are even more significant for veterans living on remote farms or ranches. Reliable internet can be expensive or hard to come by, but Walter has been their guide, helping them find affordable solutions and get the devices they need. For many of these families, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program that helped low-income families pay for internet and devices, was a lifeline that made internet access possible for the first time. However, when ACP funding ran out, some families had no choice but to cut back or even disconnect entirely. Walter saw the effects firsthand, noting that 20 to 30 families lost access while others had to downgrade to slower and less reliable internet plans.

Walter quickly points out that his role is more than helping people overcome technology challenges—it’s about building trust. “In rural Texas, it’s a running joke that you’re considered an outsider until the last person who moved in before you either dies or leaves,” Walter says. Through his affiliation with the American Legion and other service groups, attending local meetings, and engaging with the community, he’s earned their trust and established himself as the go-to person for tech help.

Word of mouth has been powerful, and Walter’s work has spread organically through client referrals. But his impact doesn’t stop there—partnerships with local organizations like social services and early childhood intervention programs have broadened awareness of his services. ESGH’s relationship with the state of Texas has helped Walter connect with special education trainers who introduce him to families that can benefit from his expertise.

As more communities across the country look to build a more digitally inclusive world, Walter and ESGH’s work offers a blueprint for success. It’s about more than just technology—it’s about relationships, trust, and understanding each person’s unique needs.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to digital inclusion. Thankfully, with people like Walter leading the way, communities are finding solutions that work for them, empowering individuals to fully participate in today’s increasingly connected world.

Increasing Access, Affordability, and Adoption in Greater Houston

• Leverage Community Trust: Gaining the trust of locals is essential in rural or tight-knit communities. Start by partnering with respected community members or organizations.
• Understand Local Needs: Tailor your services to meet the unique needs of the people you serve. Walter’s work focuses heavily on veterans and seniors, helping them access the VA’s online systems and telehealth services.
• Raise Awareness of the Program through Connections: Walter learned that many clients come from referrals who heard about his services through someone they knew. Building that referral network takes making the right contact. One-on-one connections have been more effective than broad marketing and outreach.

This blog was written in collaboration with Raynor Avenue Public Affairs.