Verizon Wireless Introduces $1000 Grant Program to Help Victims of Domestic Violence in New England

WOBURN, MA — Verizon Wireless New England is launching a $1,000 Grant Program to make funds available to not-for-profit organizations that work with victims of domestic violence. The funds donated are the direct result of consumers donating their no-longer-used cell phones to HopeLine^SM, Verizon Wireless' national initiative that encourages consumers to recycle wireless products. Recycling through HopeLine provides an environmentally friendly way to dispose of no-longer-used wireless phones while helping victims of domestic violence at the same time. Every Verizon Wireless communications store in the United States accepts old phones regardless of condition, manufacturer or carrier. Batteries and chargers are also accepted. Phones are refurbished and donated with airtime to domestic violence shelters, agencies and law enforcement groups to be used by women in emergency situations. Phones that are beyond repair are sold for parts. These proceeds are turned into cash for the grant program.

Who Can Apply to the $1000 Grant Program?

Any not-for-profit organization in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine that works in some capacity with victims of domestic violence may apply for a $1,000 grant once per quarter and as often as three times per year. Grants will be awarded to support direct client services, raise public awareness about domestic violence or train staff and volunteers. Connecticut not-for-profit organizations that work with victims of domestic violence may apply for funding online from Verizon Foundation at www.verizon.com/foundation.  

How Do You Apply for the $1000 Grant?

To receive grant guidelines and an application, organizations must e-mail a request to Hopeline.NewEngland@VerizonWireless.com or call 781-932-1510 to have an application mailed to them.

"We're thrilled that consumers are recycling their old wireless products through HopeLine. It's not only environmentally friendly, but these cash donations generated from recycled cell phones are proof that individuals really can make a difference when it comes to helping people in the community," said Verizon Wireless New England President Bob Stott.

As a result of HopeLine and related phone recycling programs the company has organized since 1995, Verizon Wireless has collected more than two million used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims and advocacy groups. Last year, the company donated over $3.7 million in monetary and other contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs. The company also donates phones, phone service and voicemail boxes to shelters to be used by women in emergency situations and for confidential communication. Verizon Wireless employees volunteer to present Invest in Yourself workshops at domestic violence shelters. These workshops are designed to help women learn about résumé preparation, interview skills and other aspects of a job search as a means of gaining financial independence. The nationally ranked Verizon Wireless Women's Cycling Team donates 100% of their prize money to HopeLine related programs.

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 39 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. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.

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