California State Assembly Honors Verizon for Its Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Efforts

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California State Assembly has honored Verizon for its commitment to eradicating domestic violence in the state.

An Assembly resolution cites Verizon for "funding innovative initiatives that empower [domestic violence] victims to make change in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones." The resolution was presented to Verizon at a Legislative Day held earlier this week by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.

"Verizon has demonstrated the kind of vision and commitment we need from the business community," said Assemblymember Fiona Ma, who proposed the resolution.  "Their support and dedication on this issue has helped thousands of individuals break the cycle of violence."

Since 2005, Verizon has invested $5.3 million in domestic violence prevention and intervention initiatives in California, assisting thousands of people statewide. In addition, in 2008, Verizon employees in the state donated approximately $40,000 worth of household goods to 23 domestic-violence shelters through the company's Shower for the Shelter program.

Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine (r) cell phone recycling and refurbishing program, $1.2 million in donated phones, free airtime and cash grants were distributed in 2008 to domestic violence prevention agencies throughout California to help domestic violence victims rebuild their lives.

"We are very honored to be recognized by Assemblymember Ma, a tireless leader in the efforts against domestic violence," said Elva Lima, Verizon vice president, strategic programs. "Verizon is committed to utilizing technology, our employees and our philanthropic resources to help victims of domestic violence live peaceful and productive lives."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 80 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 224,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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