ACCESS and Verizon Wireless partner to tackle domestic violence
Press release: ACCESS
ACCESS, the nation’s largest Arab American community nonprofit, has received a $20,000 grant from the Verizon Wireless Foundation, as part of the telecommunication provider’s Hopeline campaign to fight domestic violence.
Through the funding provided by this grant, ACCESS will conduct a series of trainings for religious leaders and school administration and staff that focus on intimate partner violence and gender equity. These trainings, organized by the ACCESS Domestic Violence Awareness and Treatment Program, will equip community leaders with the skills and awareness necessary to take action to prevent gender-based violence and to advocate for the implementation of positive messaging, policies, and practices that empower women and girls.
Verizon Wireless’ Hopeline campaign enables individuals to take action against domestic violence by donating second-hand wireless phones and accessories in any condition and from any service provider. Verizon recycles these devices, and utilizes the resulting funds to support domestic violence prevention organizations and programs nationwide. Since its launch in October 2001, Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine campaign has awarded millions of dollars in cash grants to non-profit organizations and agencies.
“With Verizon’s support, we will fight to achieve social change that will bring an end gender-based violence,” said Layla Elabed, Program Coordinator for the ACCESS Domestic Violence Prevention Program. “Through the education of girls and a shift in attitudes toward gender equity, we can help prevent domestic violence in our community,” she said.
ACCESS established its Domestic Violence Awareness and Treatment Program in 2006 through its Community Health and Research Center (CHRC).This program provides local survivors of domestic violence with psychiatric services, legal advocacy, financial assistance and referrals to safe housing and medical treatment. Through public outreach and education, this program also helps community members develop and implement strategies to combat domestic violence and to promote healthy, peaceful relationships.