Verizon Supports Expansion of American GI Forum Domestic Violence Prevention Program to More Families of Returning California Veterans

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- More military families in six California communities will receive the skills and resources they need to lead safer, healthier lives, thanks to an expanded domestic violence prevention program to be offered by the American GI Forum and funded by Verizon.  

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Men and Woman of Honor (MWH) program, which helps returning military veterans cope with the stress they face after deployment and shows them ways to prevent violent situations from developing at home.  The MWH program will be available to military families in Bakersfield, Lompoc, Modesto, Sacramento, Santa Ana and Santa Maria.

"It's fitting that we make this announcement on Veteran's Day," said Willie Galvan, state commander of the American GI Forum.  "It is critical that we provide military families with the tools and support needed to effectively address the issue of domestic violence.  Our continued partnership with Verizon will allow us to develop a program that empowers families to lead healthy lives."

The MWH program promotes violence prevention using techniques including anger management and conflict resolution, while teaching participants how to find and use support resources, should they need them.

"Domestic violence is a personal issue, but the solutions to end it are not," said Gene Eng, Verizon vice president of strategic programs in California. "Verizon is proud to support the work of the American GI Forum to provide military veterans and their families with the resources necessary to help build safe and healthy lives."

Verizon has a long-standing commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence and aiding in its prevention. Through Verizon's HopeLine® program, more than 7 million phones have been collected and recycled or refurbished to support domestic violence survivors, generating $8 million that has been given to local agencies since 2001. For more information about HopeLine from Verizon, go to www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational website, Verizon Thinkfinity (www.thinkfinity.org), and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded $67.9 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $26.1 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

About the American GI Forum

The American GI Forum grew out of necessity and has been serving veterans and their families since 1948. Today, it continues to be a beacon of hope and an avenue for involvement for the returning veteran and/or the ordinary citizen aspiring to improve conditions within his own community. Local, State and National Conferences continue to promote and move forward an agenda put forth in 1948 for the betterment of all citizens and by the American GI Forum. The AGIF continues to grow as a symbol of unity and patriotism among a growing nation of immigrants.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

SOURCE Verizon