New York State Agencies Collecting Used Cell Phones To Benefit Domestic Violence Survivors

ALBANY, NY —
• More than 150 state agency offices collecting old cell phones throughout October
• Through Verizon Wireless' HopeLine® Program, phones will be refurbished, recycled or sold to benefit domestic violence survivors
• Newer phones and program funding to be made available to domestic violence organizations statewide

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, more than 150 state agency offices across New York State are collecting no-longer-used cellphones throughout October. Through Verizon Wireless' HopeLine® Program, those phones will be recycled or refurbished and sold. Proceeds will be used to purchase wireless phones for domestic violence survivors and to make financial grants to domestic violence organizations in New York State.

"By doing something as simple as donating an old wireless phone at one of these state agency offices, individuals can truly make a difference for a domestic violence survivor," said Marquett Smith, president of Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region. "We're proud to have the opportunity to work with Verizon Communications and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) to facilitate this collection and help domestic violence organizations across the state put an end to domestic violence in their communities."

"New York State agencies are conducting these drives as part of our statewide 'Shine the Light on Domestic Violence' public awareness campaign," said Amy Barasch, Executive Director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. "Particularly in this time of fiscal crisis, Governor David A. Paterson is committed to maintaining support for domestic violence victims and we are pleased that we can strengthen grant-making opportunities for our nonprofit colleagues. We thank Verizon Wireless for their commitment to giving victims and the providers that serve them essential resources."

Victims of domestic violence, family and friends can get help by calling the NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline:
English and other languages: 1-800-942-6906
Spanish language: 1-800-942-6908

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Contact John O'Malley to learn which local state agencies are participating in this collection. Contact Suzanne Cecala to learn more about Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence" campaign.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit 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.

About HopeLine
Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the fight against domestic violence, works to combat domestic violence and raise awareness of the issue through the company's HopeLine program. Marking its 14th year in 2009, HopeLine today collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants. Phone donations are accepted at all Verizon Wireless Stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About OPDV
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is a state agency charged with improving the response of state and local communities to domestic violence. OPDV provides guidance to Executive level staff on policy and legislation; conducts statewide community outreach and public education programs; and trains professionals on addressing domestic violence in a wide array of disciplines, including child welfare, law enforcement, local district social service providers, and health care professionals.

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