'My Sister's Place' to Serve Thousands of Meals to Domestic Violence Survivors in the Nation's Capital With $10,000 Grant From the Verizon Foundation

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- My Sister's Place, the District's oldest domestic violence shelter, will serve nearly 11,000 meals, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation.  

Domestic violence pervades the Washington area and has increased due to the weak economy often crossing socio-economic boundaries.  

In response, My Sister's Place launched its Sanctuary Plus Shelter Expansion and Renovation Initiative to ensure that women and children fleeing from domestic abuse can rely on the promise of safe sanctuary, instead of returning to a violent home or living on the streets.

Last year, My Sister's Place more than doubled the capacity of its emergency shelter, Sanctuary Place, to serve up to 15 families at once with 45 emergency shelter beds.  The 9,000-square-foot, dormitory-style facility features a 24-hour hotline that Verizon sponsored, a children's playroom, a library and computer resource center, and a commercial kitchen.  The shelter serves nearly 33,000 nutritious and balanced meals each year that a professional chef prepares.

"We are truly thankful and appreciative of all the support Verizon has given us over the years," said Lauren C. Vaughan, executive director of My Sister's Place.  "Support like this enables our organization to continue to offer critical programs and services to area women and children.  Verizon's funding helps make the work we do possible."

Karen I. Campbell, Verizon's vice president of government relations – Mid-Atlantic region, said, "Domestic violence is a problem that affects all family members and tears at the fabric of our society.  It's good to know that our funding to My Sister's Place will assist those who have been trapped in abusive relationships and are now working to restore their lives."

About My Sister's Place

Since its inception in 1979, My Sister's Place (MSP) has provided comprehensive programs and services that holistically address domestic violence.  MSP is part of an interactive community committed to eradicating domestic violence.  MSP provides a confidential, 24-hour hotline, safe and confidential emergency shelter, transitional housing, supportive programs, counseling, education and advocacy for battered women and their children.  Its goal is to empower women to take control of their own lives.  For more information on MSP and to learn how you can help, please go to www.mysistersplacedc.org.

About the Verizon Foundation

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention.  In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  Under the HopeLine from Verizon program, no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories are collected at Verizon Wireless stores, or by mail, to help victims of domestic violence.  The devices are refurbished or recycled in an environmentally friendly way.  Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 8 million phones, properly disposed of 1.7 million no-longer-used wireless phones, and kept more than 210 tons of electronic waste and batteries out of landfills.  For store locations and to learn how to donate a phone using a postage-paid mailing label, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

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SOURCE Verizon