Verizon Supports Hoosier Nonprofits With $400,000: Struggling Domestic Violence Agencies Receive More Than Half Of Grant Funds

Verizon announced today its commitment to Indiana nonprofits with donations amounting to more than $400,000 and more than half of the grant money dedicated to struggling domestic violence agencies.

“We know domestic violence agencies and shelters are hurting now and we’ve stepped up to meet the needs of families that they serve across Indiana,” said John Granby, president–Indiana/Kentucky/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. “We don’t ever want a shelter to be forced to turn people away.”

From cash grants to employee matches, Verizon remains committed to helping as many agencies as possible in Indiana.

Just this summer, a number of organizations reported a spike in domestic violence calls for help brought on by the pressure of a souring economy. Agencies began struggling with waiting lists at shelters and extended stays and also experienced increased calls for help to crisis hotlines.

“An organization like ours could not continue with the outreach that we do without support from committed partners like Verizon,” said Melissa Pershing, executive director of The Julian Center, one of the state’s largest domestic violence programs.  “Verizon’s grant is helping us bring families that have been impacted by domestic violence out of poverty and into financial self-sustainability through nationally recognized programs such as Circles of Support and Bridges out of Poverty.”

Funding comes from the Verizon Foundation and through the nationally recognized HopeLine^® program from Verizon Wireless. At Indiana’s 36 company-owned retail stores and through pre-paid mail options, Hoosiers can easily donate no longer used phones and accessories to the HopeLine program.

Verizon provides those 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 through those donations.

Last year, 731 phones and more than 2.1 million free minutes were contributed to Indiana shelter residents to make those connections.

“In the recent years of increased financial constraints on government and non-profit budgets, contributions from private sector sources like the Verizon Foundation have become even more important,” said Michelle Bumgarner, director of victim advocacy programs for the Indiana Attorney General’s office.  “While our office assists survivors with services such as the Address Confidentiality Program, the financial support from community partners, like Verizon, helps make the essential and often life-saving work of local advocates and shelters possible.”

(The Address Confidentiality Program is a free service of the attorney general’s office that allows victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking to maintain a confidential address.)

Across Indiana, 19 domestic violence organizations are being supported by Verizon, including the following in central Indiana:

• Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis
• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• The Julian Center
• Muslim Alliance of Indiana
• Salvation Army
• Sheltering Wings Center for Women

“With Verizon’s support, we were able to help 317 Hoosiers who have suffered from domestic violence—including 203 children—escape from a violent situation,” said Susan Solomon, divisional services director for the Salvation Army in Indiana. “Our Emergency Bed Space Program was developed to ensure that when traditional shelter spaces in Indianapolis are full, those fleeing from violence will still have a safe place to go. Without this program, these individuals would have been forced to remain in a violent situation, live in their car or try to access a potentially unsafe situation.”

Verizon is also reminding its more than 500 Indiana 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.

“The need is great and the time is now,” Granby said. “We’re asking everyone in our company to step up during Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, and we hope others follow our lead.”

Reaching Full Potential

Here is a wonderful testimony to the work that we are doing at The Salvation Army Women and Children’s Shelter.  Sally* stayed with us in the shelter for a few months in 2010.  She is now enrolled in our Continuing Support Program and maintains frequent contact with her case manager. 

“I have two words to sum up how my life is at this point: blessed and determined. I say this because just a little while ago things were so complicated and unpromising that I never expected to be where I am today. I have a baby boy born on October 15, 2010 and he means the world to me. Even though I never had a mother who bonded with me like I have bonded with him, I still know I am on the right path to raising my son with love. Things are going so well right now and everything is falling into place. I feel like I am at the point of my life where I am satisfied with who I am and wise enough to have patience to continue to work hard for what I want and need. I have a job that I like, it allows me to be social and polite. I am a waitress at Steak and Shake. It’s not much, but it’s promising and brings in enough for me to pay my bills. I know my future is even brighter because I am accomplishing my goals and I feel good at the same time. All I can say is thank you to The Salvation Army and thank you to all of the counselors and staff who assisted me in my journey to something greater.”

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.

Join Us For National Salvation Army Week!

We’ve got some great events planned to help get Indy involved in “doing the most good” this year during National Salvation Army Week (May 9-15).  Check out these events to see how you can get involved!

May 9-13: Bite Back Box Fest
Drop off your Bite Back Box donation at 3100 N. Meridian St. from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday during National Salvation Army Week. Box with the largest donation receives a $100 gift card!

May 9: Donation Station – Food Pantries
Show your support during National Salvation Army Week and help stock our Food Pantries! Drop off any canned good or non-perishable food items at 3100 N Meridian St, 8am-4pm.

May 10:  Donation Station – Women and Children’s Shelter
Show your support during National Salvation Army week by donating twin sheets and blankets for our Women & Children’s Shelter. Drop off donations at 3100 N Meridian St, 8am-4pm.

May 11:  Donation Station – Harbor Light Center
Show your support during National Salvation Army week and donate personal hygiene items for our Harbor Light Addiction Recovery Center! Donations will be accepted 8am-4pm at our Headquarters on 3100 N Meridian St

May 12:  Red Kettle Cookout
Join The Salvation Army in celebrating 128 years in Indiana! LIve music, food, games, prizes and more!  Located at University Park in downtown Indy at 300 N Meridian St. from 10am-2pm.  Fun for all ages!

Shelter Gears Up for Summer of Wonder Camp

It’s almost that time of year again – Summer!  Here at The Salvation Army Women and Children’s Shelter we are gearing up for another busy Summer of Wonder, our annual summer camp program for the children we serve. 

This year’s Summer of Wonder will run from June 1 to August 5 and our theme is “Noah’s Ark.”  The children participate in a wide range of activities, ranging from arts and craft time to horseback riding and trips to all of the local museums!

Want to get involved?  We can always use volunteers to help out with field trips!  We are also always in need of craft and snack donations, bathing suits and towels.  For more information contact Julia Sloope at 317-224-1067 or julia_sloope@usc.salvationarmy.org

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