Escape

Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program puts the nation’s most reliable wireless network to work in our communities by turning unused wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence.

Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider at our Communications Stores nationwide. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

The Cause
Domestic violence touches all of us. One out of 3 American women report being abused at some point in their lifetime, and 21 percent of full-time, employed adults report they have been a victim. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives.

The Numbers
Since HopeLine’s national phone recycling and re-use program was launched in 2001, Verizon Wireless:

• Has collected nearly 6.5 million phones
• Awarded more than $7 million in cash grants to domestic violence agencies and organizations throughout the country
• Distributed more than 80,000 phones with more than 240 million minutes of free wireless service to be used by victims of domestic violence 
• Properly disposed of more than 1 million no-longer-used wireless phones in an environmentally sound way
• Kept more than 200 tons of electronic waste and batteries out of landfills

#HOPE
#HOPE is a service available across Verizon Wireless' nationwide wireless network. By dialing #4673 then pressing send, callers will be connected directly to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, where they can receive the confidential help they need through empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and resources. The call is toll and airtime free.

HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award
Verizon Wireless is proud to support the efforts of law enforcement and government agencies in communities nationwide through donations of wireless phones, prepaid airtime and Mobile Broadband (high-speed Internet) service and funding. In 2005, we introduced the HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award. We present this award to law enforcement agencies or individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to and focus on preventing domestic violence and raising awareness in their communities.  Honorees to date include.

• The New Orleans Police Foundation
• Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist
• Worcester, MA Police Chief Gary Gemme
• Maryland Attorney General (ret.) Joe Curran
• NOBLE's South Florida and Georgia Chapters
• New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Warren Riley
• Sheriff Al Lamberti of the Broward County Sheriff´s Office
• Three Omaha Police Officers, Wendi Dye, Christopher McElligott and Richard Raper
• Glendale Police Department
• Denver Police Chief Gerald Whitman 

Learn more about the HopeLine Law Enforcement Partnership Award and see images of award recipients at http://aboutus.vzw.com/communityservice/lawenforcement.html.

Working Together to Prevent Domestic Violence
HopeLine partners with many national and local organizations to support the work of preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue.

National domestic violence prevention organizations:

• The Family Violence Prevention Fund
• National Network to End Domestic Violence
• The Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence

Community Organizations:

• Local law enforcement including state attorneys general, district attorneys, police and sheriff’s departments, Family Justice Centers
• Local elder services programs associated with victim advocacy groups and community and senior centers
• Professional sports teams: NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL
• Colleges, universities, and school systems

How to Donate
Wireless phones and equipment donations are accepted at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide or by mail. For store locations, visit our store locator at http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/storelocator/index.jsp. To download a postage-paid mailing label, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopelinemailinglabel.