VERIZON SUPPORTS ST. LOUIS AREA NONPROFIT AGENCIES WITH NEARLY $73,000 IN GRANTS IN 2011

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — As a new year of giving gets underway, Verizon announced today that 2011 financial grant commitments totaled $72,750. These donations assist a variety of St. Louis nonprofit agencies that support causes such as raising awareness for domestic violence prevention, student bullying, and advancement of youth education.

From cash grants to employee matches, “Telling Amy’s Story” community awareness events and HopeLine^® donations of used cell phones, Verizon remains committed to helping as many agencies as possible. 

“With today’s economic climate, we know domestic violence agencies and shelters are hurting and Verizon has stepped up to meet the needs of families that they serve across the St. Louis region,” said Brendan Fallis, president–Kansas/Missouri region, Verizon Wireless. “We don’t ever want a shelter to be forced to turn anyone away.”

Funding comes from the Verizon Foundation and through the nationally recognized HopeLine^® program from Verizon Wireless. At St. Louis’ 10 company-owned retail stores and through pre-paid mail options, St. Louisans can easily donate no longer used phones and accessories to the HopeLine program.

Fifteen domestic violence organizations are being supported through these Verizon HopeLine and Foundation grants:

• Every Step Counts
• St. Martha's Hall
• Legal Advocates for Abused Women
• Redevelopment Opportunities for Women
• Safe Connections
• The Women's Safe House
• Lydia's House
• The Friends of Weiman
• ALIVE
• Kids Place, Inc.
• Inner City Youth Tutoring
• Connections to Success, Inc.
• Megan Meier Foundation
• The Child Center, Inc.
• Life Skills Foundation

 A number of organizations have reported a spike in domestic violence calls for help brought on by the pressure of the souring economy. Agencies have begun struggling with the need for extended stays at shelters and are also experiencing increased calls for help to crisis hotlines.

Through HopeLine, Verizon provides refurbished wireless phones and airtime to nonprofit organizations for use by domestic violence survivors, as well as cash grants to local shelters and nonprofits that focus on prevention, awareness and advocacy. Verizon is also reminding its Missouri employees to give during this time of escalated need.

The Verizon Foundation supports personal philanthropic giving made by Verizon employees and retirees. Employees can earn cash grants for the qualified nonprofits where they volunteer at least 50 hours, and can have their charitable donations go further by utilizing the foundation’s Matching Gifts Programs.