National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) Receives $25,000 HopeLine® Grant from Verizon Wireless

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2011, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) issued a study that showed mainstream victim service programs in the United States do not have the necessary resources to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) domestic and intimate partner violence survivors.  To address this social issue, Verizon Wireless today announced NCAVP will receive a $25,000 HopeLine® from Verizon grant to assist the organization in its efforts to empower members of the LGBTQ communities to end domestic/intimate partner violence and sexual violence.  This donation is part of HopeLine's continued dedication to supporting communities, shelters and agencies in the prevention of intimate partner violence.

In October 2011, NCAVP received their first HopeLine grant to help provide training and resources to NCAVP members, community organizations, government agencies and first responders throughout the United States.  NCAVP is a national coalition, and the only coalition in the United States to address the needs of LGBTQ survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence and sexual violence.  With this year's donation, NCAVP plans to continue to spread LGBTQ-specific information to mainstream victim service organizations across the country using technical assistance through webinar sessions, electronic information distribution, website information and other online resources.

"We are honored to continue to work with NCAVP to provide the necessary resources and support to LGBTQ victims and survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence," said Elva Lima, executive director of community relations and multicultural communications at Verizon Wireless.  "Through HopeLine's support, NCAVP will be able to increase its technology training capabilities to reach an even broader community."

"Verizon Wireless has proven to be a trailblazer in supporting LGBTQ victims and survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence and a committed partner in the vital work of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs," said Sharon Stapel, executive director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), which coordinates NCAVP.  "With this grant from HopeLine, we can continue our work to ensure that all LGBTQ survivors of domestic violence receive the support and counseling they need."

HopeLine from Verizon collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories and puts them to work in communities helping victims and survivors of domestic violence.  Donated devices and accessories are turned into support to help victims of domestic violence through the use of cash grants and refurbished phones.  Since 2001, HopeLine has donated nearly 123,000 phones with airtime to domestic violence organizations across the country.  No-longer-used phones collected through HopeLine have also been recycled to fund more than $14.2 million in cash grants for organizations working to end domestic violence. 

For more information on HopeLine from Verizon, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  To learn more about NCAVP, visit www.avp.org/ncavp.htm.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: 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 NCAVP
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) communities.  NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individuals who create systemic and social change.  We strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance.  NCAVP is coordinated by the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless