Verizon HopeLine grant helps DOVE Center support survivors of domestic violence
By Adele Pincock
DOVE Center, a nonprofit agency serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout Washington and Kane counties, received a Verizon HopeLine grant to expand its work in prevention and awareness education in area schools and throughout the community.
Verizon HopeLine supports domestic violence prevention and awareness programs across the country. HopeLine offers the opportunity for individuals to take action against domestic violence by donating their no-longer-used cell phones and accessories in any condition, and from any service provider. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse, and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the program are used to provide cell phones and cash grants to local and nonprofit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.
DOVE Center is using the Verizon funds to further advance prevention and awareness education throughout the local community.
“This generous contribution from Verizon makes it possible for us to reach even more people with very valuable information,” said Lindsey Boyer, executive director at DOVE Center. “We know that prevention education is one key to breaking the cycle of abuse and creating lasting solutions, so we’re grateful for the opportunity to expand our educational outreach.”
DOVE Center provides prevention education to middle school and high school students across the Washington County School District. The evidence-based curriculum focuses on healthy relationships and includes information about the relationship spectrum, abusive behaviors, and warning signs of abuse. Students are provided with information about community resources, including how to report abuse and tips on safely intervening to stop abuse when they see it. School counselors are often present during classroom presentations, so students know they have support at their school should they need it.
DOVE Center has provided 77 prevention education presentations to area students since the funding period began last July, reaching hundreds of teens and young adults. The experience of working with teens who are learning about dating relationships and how to navigate them is powerful. So many of them have already experienced abuse from a boyfriend or girlfriend, even at 14 and 15 years old, so we know the information is relevant and timely. We remain committed to providing this education early and often with the hopes it will interrupt unhealthy, abusive behaviors and help teens feel empowered and be safe in their relationships.
Verizon is committed to bringing an end to domestic violence, and the HopeLine program is helping. Having access to a phone and technology is vital to everyone, but that access becomes a literal lifeline for victims of domestic violence in times of crisis when they’re trying to get help, find safety, and stay connected with family, friends, and employers. HopeLine phone donations are accepted at all Verizon Wireless stores across Utah.
To learn more about DOVE Center’s awareness and prevention programs, submit an inquiry to outreach@dovecenter.org or call (435) 628-1204. For emergency shelter and other questions about domestic violence or sexual assault, please call DOVE’s 24-hour helpline, (435) 628-0458 to speak with an advocate. To make a donation, visit dovecenter.org.
