Verizon Wireless Encourages Michigan Domestic Violence Organizations To Apply For Grants

SOUTHFIELD, MI — Verizon Wireless announced today it is seeking grant proposals from non-profit organizations in Michigan for programs that directly benefit domestic violence survivors and their families or for initiatives that raise awareness and prevent domestic violence, teen dating violence, partner violence or elder abuse.

Grant applicants must have a 501(c) 3 tax status, and funding requests should not exceed $10,000. Proposals can be submitted in writing to Erica Sevilla at erica.sevilla@verizonwireless.com. The deadline for submitting proposals is May 31, 2007. All applicants will be notified no later than Aug. 15, 2007.

For more than 10 years, Verizon Wireless has been committed to preventing and raising awareness of domestic violence.

"This is a widespread problem that not only impacts families but affects the overall community, including businesses," said Greg Haller, president—Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. "Domestic violence extends beyond the relationship between two people and is a known contributor to child abuse and workplace violence."

In 2006, several non-profit organizations in Michigan benefited from Verizon Wireless grants, including Lakeshore Legal Aid, which received $8,500. The money is used to assist low-income domestic violence clients throughout Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties with expenses such as court filing fees, process serving costs, case-related travel, and interpreter and translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Also last year, Safe Haven Ministries of Grand Rapids was granted $5,000 to help fund its domestic violence training and education program. RAISE Hope (Raising Awareness, Informing, Supporting, and Educating the community on issues of domestic abuse) is designed to increase assistance to abused women and children by educating others to recognize signs of abuse and to respond appropriately.

Domestic violence shelters and other non-profit organizations that assist domestic violence survivors may also submit applications to Verizon Wireless' HopeLine^® program, which provides wireless phones and free airtime to aid in the safety and peace of mind of those individuals who are rebuilding their lives. For more information, please email jennifer.lestor@verizonwireless.com.

At the end of 2006, approximately 20,000 HopeLine phones were being used by domestic violence survivors throughout the country. Funds for the HopeLine program come from the public's donations of no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories. Verizon Wireless collects, refurbishes and resells the phones and equipment to a third-party company. The proceeds from the sale of these used phones support shelters and organizations devoted to helping domestic violence survivors and preventing further abuse.

Since the national program began in October 2001, more than 3.5 million wireless handsets have been dropped off at Verizon Wireless stores nationwide, and the company has donated more than $10 million in financial grants, phones and services to domestic violence organizations throughout the country.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 57 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 60,000 employees nationwide. The company 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. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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