Verizon Wireless Assists Women at Shelters With New, On-Site Training Courses

ORANGEBURG, NY — Continuing its commitment to domestic violence prevention and awareness, Verizon Wireless today announced a new program to help victims of domestic violence develop and improve the skills they need to compete for jobs in today's marketplace. The new initiative is being launched this week with two pilot programs to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, held each year in October.

Called "Invest in Yourself", the program consists of seminars that focus on employment topics, such as interviewing, communications, networking and preparing effective resumes. The seminars, part of the company's self development course curriculum for employees, are offered on shelter premises by Verizon Wireless female employees with experience in human resources, marketing and management.

"For victims of domestic violence, beginning a job search is one of the first steps toward rebuilding their lives," said Charles Hand, president of Verizon Wireless' New York Metro area. "By making these seminars available at women's shelters, we hope to equip them with the confidence and skills they need to land a job and become independent."

The pilot programs will be presented at the Rockland Family Shelter in Rockland County, NY, on September 25, 2001 and at The Safe House in Essex County, NJ, on October 18, 2001. Shelter directors interested in scheduling a seminar or more information may call 845-429-3839.

In addition to the Invest in Yourself program, Verizon Wireless has planned a variety of activities throughout the New York metro area for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In New York City, the company will donate 50 wireless phones to Safe Horizon, formerly Victim Services. Other activities include donations of 100 toiletry bags to the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and new clothing to the Monmouth County Women's Center and the Resource Center for Women and Their Families in Somerset County.

Verizon Wireless is a corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence. Since 1995, through its HopeLine community service program, the company has donated or recycled more than 45,000 phones in the New York Metro area.

Editor's Note: Interviews with directors at Rockland Family Shelter and The Safe House may be arranged upon request.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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