HopeLine is a program that puts wireless technology and the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network to work in communities by collecting no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories, from any carrier and repurposing them to serve as a lifeline for domestic violence victims. Additionally, all proceeds from the sale of devices that can’t be repurposed go to domestic violence awareness and prevention organizations—in the form of HopeLine grants.“The HopeLine drive is truly a lifeline for many domestic violence victims,” said Rob Barris III, District Attorney, “Unfortunately, Oklahoma has a serious problem with domestic violence, but we have an opportunity to change that by providing a way for victims to communicate safely, securely and instantly.”
For phone collections, HopeLine boxes are located all around the state of Oklahoma during the month of October. In Rob Barris’s district HopeLine boxes can be found in the Okmulgee District Attorney’s Office located at 314 W. 7th and the Henryetta Police Department, located at 115 S. 4th.
“We feel that as a wireless carrier with access to powerful communication tools, it is our obligation to reach out and help those without a voice,” said Kristi Crum, president of the South Central Region of Verizon. “Domestic violence victims often have no safe line of communication, because their abuser is monitoring their phone activity or because they have no phone at all. Verizon’s HopeLine program connects with shelters to provide free phones and service to domestic violence victims so they can safely call family and
friends.”
For more information on HopeLine, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline. For more information on the local HopeLine drive contact Debi Woodard, Victim Witness Coordinator, 918-756-0794.
