Domestic Violence Crisis Center Receives Grant From Verizon to Assist Children Who Experience Violence
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem Takes Part in Check Presentation
MINOT, N.D., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) announced today that it has received a $6,750 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, to continue providing support and education to children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence.
The DVCC's Children's Program teaches children between the ages of four to 17 coping skills, safety plans, and nonviolent ways to express his or her anger. The support, education, and reassurance a child receives through this program helps them to overcome future situations that may otherwise negatively affect their thoughts, behaviors and actions. The goal is to decrease the chance for the next generation to repeat the violent behavior in their homes.
"Children are often the 'forgotten victims' of domestic violence," said Dena Filler, executive director, DVCC. "With our partnership with Verizon, we will continue to develop the skills, increase confidence and self-esteem of children who have witnessed or have become victims of violence."
Children become involved with the Children's Program through a referral process from community agencies who have knowledge of domestic violence in the child's home or if the child is in DVCC's Safehome shelter or transitional housing. Children meet in groups for six to 10 weeks, once a week. Each single group meeting covers one specific educational topic related to domestic violence. In the last three years, DVCC has given education and support to approximately 800 children through various programs.
"I applaud Verizon for stepping in to partner with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center," said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. "Through these educational sessions, children will learn that abuse is not acceptable and we can help them confront and overcome what they have experienced. Intervention at an early age for children experiencing violence is crucial to a successful outcome for their future."
Verizon Wireless has supported domestic violence awareness and prevention efforts over the last decade through the company's award-winning HopeLine® phone recycling program. Through HopeLine, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories, in any condition, from any wireless service provider. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. All proceeds benefit non-profit shelters and organizations that focus on domestic violence awareness and prevention. Over the last five years, North Dakotans have donated more than 5,000 phones to HopeLine and since the program began more then 7 million phones have been recycled or refurbished.
"Verizon is proud to support a community organization that has provided families affected by violence with the hope, confidence, and skills to mend their lives for over 30 years," said Seamus Hyland, president–Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless.
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, 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 Domestic Violence Crisis Center
The mission of Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Inc. is to provide a full range of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to reduce domestic violence by educating the public about its effects. The DVCC provides shelter, services and crisis intervention to victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in north central North Dakota, thus, giving victims of domestic and sexual violence the support and skills necessary to improve their living situations. DVCC envisions a community educated about the impact of domestic/sexual violence on society, therefore, reducing the occurrence, acceptance, and severity of domestic/sexual violence in our community.
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 92 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 last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
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