Verizon Wireless Sponsors Domestic Violence Education Programs At Frederick Minority Youth Fair, Extends HopeLine's^SM Reach

Verizon Wireless Sponsors Domestic Violence Education Programs At Frederick Minority Youth Fair, Extends HopeLine's^SM Reach

Frederick Group Supports Company's HopeLine Phone Recycling Program
To Promote Family and Domestic Violence Prevention in Frederick County

April 27, 2002
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LAUREL, MD

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Children from across Frederick County today came together at the South Frederick Elementary School during the April Minority Youth Fair to join forces in helping victims of domestic violence and to support HopeLine^SM, a national cell phone recycling program through Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless communications provider.

The annual event, organized by the Frederick Negro Business & Professional Women's Club, Inc., focused on domestic violence and provided educational workshops and programs directed toward children between the ages of 6 - 18. Verizon Wireless provided a $500 contribution to help underwrite the Youth Fair. Frederick City Youth Services has also partnered with the organization to further the success of the event.

Prior to the event, the group asked members of the community to donate phones no longer in service by dropping them off at regional Verizon Wireless stores, or by bringing them to the Minority Youth Fair. The used phones are either refurbished and recycled, or sold. With proceeds from the sale of the refurbished phones, the company will purchase wireless phones and donate airtime to victims of domestic violence through human services and law enforcement agencies.

The Frederick Negro Business & Professional Women's Club is a non-profit service organization with a special commitment to help minority youth pursue and realize their formal education, enroll in and graduate from college, and enter the business and professional world. The organization awards scholarships and the members serve as mentors and provide counsel and emotional support.
"We are extremely happy to have Verizon Wireless' support in helping us educate children early on about the devastating physical and emotional consequences of domestic violence," said Minority Youth Fair Chairperson Shirley Snowden. "The members of our club are excited about doing something to help the local community and people in distress. The HopeLine program is the perfect vehicle."

Colleen Mortenson, Verizon Wireless human resources manager, will help facilitate the program. "We welcome this chance to join forces with the Frederick Negro Business & Professional Women's Club and its Youth Club," said Mortenson. "We're glad we can participate, and look forward to working with the young club members in broadening the reach of our HopeLine program to support victims of domestic violence."

The public is encouraged to join the recycling effort by donating wireless phones and accessories that are no longer in service. They can be dropped off at the Verizon Wireless Communications Store in Frederick located at 1160 West Patrick Street, 301-695-6000. Customers of any wireless carrier can donate phones at any of the 57 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores or kiosks in the Washington/Baltimore and Virginia region. All donations may be tax-deductible and receipts are provided.

The company's HopeLine program was created in 1995 to put wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. Last year alone, Verizon Wireless donated more than 4,000 phones and $500,000 to this cause. For more information about HopeLine, customers can call 1-800-426-2790 between 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST Monday through Saturday, and between 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST on Sunday. Customers can also visit the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Frederick Negro Business & Professional Women's Club, Inc.

The Frederick Negro Business & Professional Women's Club is the local organization of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. The organization is located in Frederick, Maryland and is a not-for-profit service organization. The Frederick club was organized in 1960. The organization sponsors a Youth Club for boys and girls between the ages of twelve and eighteen.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 30 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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