Verizon Supports 38 Vermont Nonprofit Groups to Promote Literacy, Technology and Work Force Development

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. - Verizon reaffirmed its commitment to the communities that the company serves in Vermont by providing grants in 2004 for a broad range of literacy, work force development, technology and human service programs.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, last year donated $155,862 to 38 nonprofit groups in Vermont. Nationwide, the foundation donated more than $71.4 million to charitable and nonprofit organizations, including matching $18.7 million in donations from employees.

"We believe in investing in our communities through strategic partnerships with organizations that support education and literacy, technology education, and health and human services," said Verizon Vermont vice president Pamela Porell. "Verizon's grants continue to 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 included:
• Stern Center for Language and Learning -- $20,000 in partnership with the UVM College of Medicine to create a two-hour course to teach medical students to recognize and refer children who are at risk for reading failure.

• CVOEO Micro Business Development Program -- $13,384 for the Refugee Computer Literacy for Business program.

• Childcare Resource -- $9,500 to launch expanded Web-based service for parents and child-care programs.

  In addition, literacy grants went to Burlington Literary Festival; Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF); Commission on Women Education and Research Inc.; Everybody Wins! Vermont Inc.; Kids On The Block-Vermont Inc.; Northeast Kingdom Learning Services; the Tutorial Center Inc.; Vermont Library Association; Vermont Public Radio; and Weston Playhouse Theatre Company.

  In support of technology, Verizon also awarded grants to Champlain Senior Center; Chittenden Community Television; Clara Martin Center; Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Inc.; Green Mountain United Way; Northeast Rural Water Association; Outright Vermont; The Little School; United Way of Chittenden County, United Way of Lamoille County Inc.; and United Way of Windham County.

  Verizon recognized the importance of the state's work force development programs by awarding additional grants to Combinet-NH for Vermont WorkNet; Linking Learning To Life Inc.; Lyndon State College Foundation; Saint Michael's College; UVM College of Engineering and Math; Vermont State Mathematics Coalition; and Vermont Telecommunications Application Center Inc.

  Other grant recipients include the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts Ltd.; New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church; Vermont Arts Council; Pathos Dance Theatre; Rokeby Museum; Vermont Public Television; Vermont Symphony Orchestra; and Yellow Barn Music School & Festival.

  In addition to the Verizon Foundation grants, 92 agencies received $106,393 through Verizon Volunteers, a program that encourages Verizon employees to volunteer in their communities and provides matching gifts to the nonprofit organizations that employees support.

  The Verizon Foundation ranks as one of the largest corporate foundations in America, providing grants and developing programs to support the communities where Verizon does business. The foundation places special emphasis on literacy, work force development and the use of technology for the benefit of all people. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.

  Verizon Communications Inc.

  With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon has a diverse work force of more than 210,000 in four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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