Verizon Awards More Than $700,000 in Grants To Hawaii's Non-Profit Organizations

Verizon Awards More Than $700,000 in Grants To Hawaii's Non-Profit Organizations

Verizon Foundation Supports 72 Groups Dedicated to Improving Literacy and Bridging the Digital Divide

Jan. 25, 2002

HONOLULU - Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, gave more than $700,000 in grants to non-profit groups throughout Hawaii last year , reaffirming its commitment to improving literacy and technology education. The grants supported a broad range of literacy, work-force development, community technology and human service programs.

"In today's tight economy, non-profit organizations need financial assistance now more than ever," said Brian Blevins, Verizon external affairs director. "Many of these organizations provide a safety net for disadvantaged people, while others enhance our cultural and educational experience throughout the islands. We're pleased to be able to support their efforts and the communities we serve."

Recipients of major grants included:
• Aloha United Way, Oahu -- $144,000 to develop a comprehensive technology plan and enhanced computer systems for AUW, its 65 partner agencies and constituents.

• Computer-Assisted Learning Center, Big Island -- $15,000 to develop a computer-skills training program for low-literacy participants that will enhance their employability.

• Hui Malama Learning Center, Maui -- $15,000 to create a literacy initiative to accurately identify and analyze the literacy needs and challenges of Maui County residents.

• Enterprise Honolulu (formerly Oahu Economic Development Board) --$20,000 to develop a Web site to promote and facilitate the organization's programs and services, and foster economic development on Oahu.

Other Verizon grant recipients include: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Assistive Technology Resource Center, Better Business Bureau Foundation of Hawaii, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui, Brain Injury Association of Hawaii, Child and Family Service, Christians in Real Estate, Community Clinic of Maui, Computer-Assisted Learning Center, Damien Memorial High School, French Festival of Hawaii, Friends of the Cancer Research Center, Good Beginnings Alliance, Hawaii Advocates for Children and Youth, Hawaii Concert Society, Hawaii Council on Economic Education, Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaii International Film Festival, Hawaii Island United Way, Hawaii Library Foundation, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Mother's Milk Inc., Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaii Patient Enrichment Inc., Hawaii Performing Arts Co., Hawaii Public Radio, Hawaii Public Television Foundation and Hawaii School for Girls.

Additional grants were provided to: Hawaiian Academy of Science, Hispanic Center of Hawaii, Historic Hawaii Foundation, Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture, Honolulu Community Media Council, Honolulu Symphony Society, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Hui Malama Learning Center, Imua Rehab, Independent Living Waipahu, Iolani School, Japan-America Society of Hawaii, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Junior Achievement Inc., Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kauai Children's Discovery Museum, Kauai United Way and Kona Association for the Performing Arts.

Verizon provided more grants to: March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Maui Community Arts & Cultural Center, Maui Economic Development Board, Maui Historical Society, Maui United Way, Mission Houses Museum, Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Oahu Economic Development Board, Parents and Children Together, Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation, Sacred Heart Academy, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Read Aloud America, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, The Contemporary Museum, University of Hawaii Foundation, U.S. Small Business Administration and Washington Place Foundation.

Verizon Foundation supports a variety of programs that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, enriching communities through technology and creating a skilled work force. The foundation promotes partnerships in technology with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, and the economically and socially disadvantaged. The foundation also supports Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation on the Internet.

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 128.5 million access line equivalents and 28.7 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with 256,000 employees and approximately $65 billion in annual revenues, Verizon's global presence extends to more than 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.