The grant, which honors October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, comes from Verizon’s HopeLine, a philanthropic program that donates funds and used wireless phones and accessories to survivors of abuse. HopeLine’s focus aligns with Sojourner, which acts as a safety net for families impacted by domestic abuse and steers victims out of violence.
Verizon awarded the grant to Sojourner during a press conference on Thursday.
Grant funds will support Sojourner’s Community Domestic Abuse Advocacy Program, which provides tablets to community advocates who are in contact with victims of abuse and can rapidly respond in hand with Sojourner and the Milwaukee Police Department.
The program helped more than 3,000 survivors last year.
The HopeLine grant will also boost the center’s Life Skills program, which offers survivors services related to job readiness, interviewing, credit scores and financial empowerment. Last year’s program touched about 355 people.
“We support the efforts of Sojourner Family Peace Center as it provides a terrific example of combining forces with public and private entities to make a difference in the lives of families here in Milwaukee,” Jarrett Dawson, director of retail sales in Verizon’s Illinois and Wisconsin region, said in a press release. “This month we are mobilizing both our employees and customers to support survivors of domestic violence as they re-establish themselves.”
In addition to awarding Sojourner a grant, Verizon is running a “Wish List” collection at its Greenfield store, located at 4965 S. 76th Street, throughout October. Verizon is seeking essentials and supplies to benefit Sojourner’s clients – including deodorant, night wear for women, slippers, sweatpants, tops, blankets, diapers, wipes, formula, games and craft kits.
The company also is selling purple technology accessories throughout October to salute Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A portion of proceeds from accessories sales will be donated to the National Domestic Hotline.
“HopeLine from Verizon provides vital support for the services Sojourner Family Peace Center is able to offer survivors of domestic violence in our community,” said Carmen Pitre, executive director of Sojourner. “This program helps us continue to ensure the critical services we provide are available for women and children trapped in violent situations.”
