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WOBURN, MA — Verizon Wireless today announced the donation of 15 wireless phones to Northampton, MA-based Safe Passage which is celebrating 25 years of creating solutions, support and housing for victims of abuse.
The national HopeLineSM program distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence prevention groups and provides an environmentally-friendly method for recycling handsets. At the center of HopeLine is a phone-recycling program. Verizon Wireless' 1,200 stores throughout the nation serve as drop-off locations for wireless phones (any brand, any carrier) that are no longer in use. Phones collected through HopeLine are refurbished for donation to victims, recycled or sold. Proceeds are then used to benefit non-profit domestic violence prevention organizations through the purchase of wireless phones and/or monetary contributions.
While Verizon Wireless invests in the HopeLine program each day alongside shelters, advocates and program members, community residents can also get involved by recycling no longer used wireless phones to the HopeLine program. This donation of handsets is being made in addition to Verizon Wireless' donation of wireless voicemail services last year to Safe Passage.
"When in crisis, a wireless phone can become the lifeline necessary to reach emergency help or support required by victims, especially since many abusers will remove landline phones so that victims cannot make that call to safety," said Kristen Golden, executive director, Safe Passage. "It is a simple solution to an often insurmountable obstacle. We appreciate the support of Verizon Wireless and the community."
Since its founding, Safe Passage has supported more than 10,000 battered women and their children. By providing comprehensive services and compassionate support, Safe Passage empowers women and their children who experience emotional and/or physical violence, to rebuild their lives free from abuse. Safe Passage advocates access a wide variety of resources and the full support of the community for battered women and their children. The organization maintains a 24-Hour Hotline at 413-586-5066 or tollfree at 888-345-5282.
Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program also makes financial grants to regional and national domestic violence organizations, such as the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other select community interest groups. As a result of HopeLine and related phone recycling programs the company has organized since 1995, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 850,000 used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims and advocacy groups. Since the HopeLine phone-recycling program launched nationwide in October, 2001, Verizon Wireless has collected nearly half a million phones.
"HopeLine exists to support all domestic violence programs that serve the communities in which we operate," said Bob Stott, president of the New England Region for Verizon Wireless. "Our goal is to give support to all nationwide community outreach programs that provide positive networks and resources for victims of domestic violence."
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 32.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.
MA-based Verizon Wireless Communications Stores/Drop Off Points
Springfield,MA
1420 Boston Road
413-796-8600
W. Springfield, MA
1123-B Riverdale Street
413-781-6000
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