HopeLine® from Verizon donates $50K grant to "End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin"

MADISON -- With 1 in 3 teens victims of interpersonal violence, Verizon Wireless is stepping up to help address the issue in Wisconsin by today announcing a major grant donation to End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, the statewide membership organization representing domestic violence victim service providers and survivors.

With a $50,000 grant from HopeLine® from Verizon, which comes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin will be able to enhance and expand several of its youth/teen related services, including the statewide Teen Council and Growing Roots II. The Teen Council will expand to more regions in northern Wisconsin to provide its youth-focused services and education programs to a greater number of youth groups. Additionally, the Growing Roots II program will continue offering mini-grants to projects that bring teens and elders together to build strong connections and respect for others through art, gardening or other forms of expression.

“Verizon supports the efforts of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin as it provides education for teens to end the cycle of domestic abuse," said Rhett Mitchell, national retail-channel lead, Illinois/Wisconsin Region, Verizon. “As a board member with End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, I’m able to see first-hand the impact their work creates, building positive behaviors among the youth across the state.”

“HopeLine from Verizon provides the critical support we need to maintain the level of service and educational programming we offer across Wisconsin to put an end to domestic violence,” said Patti Seger, executive director, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin. “This program ensures we’re able to continue working together to provide real change for the thousands of families affected by domestic violence every year.”

In addition to allocating grants to domestic violence prevention and support organizations, Verizon will be selling purple accessories in October, both in stores and online, to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Items include a purple UE Boom Bluetooth speaker, Otterbox cases and a wireless headset. For each accessory sold, $1 will be donated to the National Domestic Hotline, up to $100,000. These accessories can be purchased throughout the month of October.