Verizon Supports 31 Ohio Nonprofit Groups to Promote Literacy, Technology and Workforce Development

MARION, Ohio - Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to improving literacy and technology education in Ohio this year by awarding more than $345,000 in grants to 31 nonprofit organizations for a broad range of literacy, workforce development, community technology and human service programs.

"In today's tight economy, nonprofit organizations need financial assistance now more than ever," said Todd Colquitt, president-Verizon Ohio. "Verizon's grants underscore our long-standing goal of improving the communities we serve and our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers."

Recipients of major grants from Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, included:

• Norwalk City Schools, Norwalk -- $50,000 to implement an English-as-a-second-language literacy program to help students and parents in Huron County.

• The Literacy Council of Medina County, Medina -- $9,251 to provide computers and software for youngsters receiving tutoring services.

• Marion Technical College, Marion -- $25,000 to purchase equipment that supports a telecommunications studies program.

• Southern State Community College, Fincastle -- $15,000 to continue a workforce development program for displaced homemakers, single parents and single pregnant women who meet federal poverty guidelines.

In addition, literacy grants went to the Laura Woodward Elementary School, Delaware; Dairy Barn of Southeastern Ohio Cultural Arts Center, Athens; Rotary Club's I Can Go to College program, Marion; Mainstreet Delaware's Children's Festival of Music and Literacy, Delaware; Midvale Elementary summer reading program, Midvale; Palace Cultural Arts Association, Marion; NAACP, Columbus; Putman Elementary School's summer reading program, Blanchester; The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Columbus; and the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, Columbus.

In support of technology education, Verizon also awarded grants to Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Freemont; Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, Nelsonville; Friends of the Ashbrook Center, Ashland; Boys and Girls Club of Marion County, Marion; Concerned Citizens Against Violence Against Women (Turning Point), Marion; Marion Community Foundation, Marion; and the United Way of Delaware County, Delaware.

Verizon recognized the importance of the state's workforce development programs by awarding additional grants to Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green; Grand Lake Mercer County Research Inc., Celina; Medina County Sheltered Industries, Wadsworth; Norwalk Area United Fund, Norwalk; Community Action Program of Washington and Morgan Counties, Marietta; Workforce Services Unlimited, Circleville; Community Assault Prevention Services, Jackson; Marion Goodwill Industries, Marion; Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families in Oxford, Hamilton; West Side Ecumenical Ministries, Cleveland.

In addition to these grants, 147 different Ohio agencies received a total of more than $147,000 through Verizon Volunteers, an incentive program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to nonprofit organizations.

The Verizon Foundation last year awarded 22,000 grants totaling more than $70 million to charitable and nonprofit agencies that focus on improving basic and computer literacy, enriching communities through technology, and creating a skilled work force. The foundation uses its resources in the United States and abroad to develop partnerships in technology and connect them with organizations serving the needs of diverse communities, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and the economically and socially disadvantaged. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

Verizon Communications

A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services, with approximately $67 billion in revenues. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with more than 139 million access line equivalents and 36 million Verizon Wireless customers. Verizon is the third largest long-distance carrier for U.S. consumers, with nearly 16 million long-distance lines. The company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by directory titles and circulation. Verizon's international presence includes wireline and wireless communications operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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