Bell Atlantic Mobile and Working Wardrobe Team To Offer Domestic Violence Victims Added Protection
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Bell Atlantic Mobile and Working Wardrobe Team To
Offer Domestic Violence Victims Added Protection
Wireless Phone, Voice Mail Donation Honors Domestic Violence
Awareness Month
October 8, 1999
Media contact: | Meghan Leonardis, (215) 790-4385 |
WEST CHESTER, PA -- Bell Atlantic Mobile, a corporate leader in the
fight against domestic violence, and Motorola today announced the
donation of 100 wireless phones and 100 wireless voice mail boxes to
several domestic violence organizations located throughout Chester and
Delaware counties. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month,
State Representative Elinor Taylor and West Chester Mayor Clifford
DeBaptiste joined Bell Atlantic Mobile at a press conference held at The
Working Wardrobe's office in West Chester, PA, to help announce this
newest effort to aid in the fight against domestic violence.
Today's donation is the local component of the company's national
initiative. Earlier in October, Bell Atlantic Mobile and Motorola marked
the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month by announcing the
donation of 2500 wireless phones to domestic violence support
organizations throughout the Company's service area. This is the most
extensive domestic violence assistance program ever spearheaded by the
wireless service provider.
"Domestic violence is a very real problem that is not diminishing
despite significant drops in crime rates in this country. And while it's
often swept under the rug, domestic violence affects our neighbors,
friends, and co-workers in ways unimaginable," said John Stratton,
Bell Atlantic Mobile's Philadelphia region president.
"Through our Wireless At Work initiative, we have put essential
communications tools in the hands of thousands of victims who need a
vital link to emergency services at times of crisis. In addition, by helping
to raise awareness, we can help our friends and co-workers recognize the
symptoms and play an active role in both prevention and the life
rebuilding process," said Stratton.
The donated Motorola phones will be used by domestic violence agencies
to provide victims with a means of contacting the police 24-hours a day, 7-
days a week. The voice mail boxes will allow individuals staying at
domestic violence shelters with a confidential way to receive messages
from potential employers, friends and family, and to begin to rebuild their
lives without the fear of having an abuser learn of their whereabouts.
Participating agencies include the Domestic Violence Center, Friend's
Association, New Choices/New Options and the Domestic Abuse Project
of Delaware County Safe House.
"By providing women who live in fear with a free wireless phone --
complete with a battery and charger, and equipped to dial 9-1-1 at the
touch of a button -- Bell Atlantic Mobile is giving them a tool that not only
can provide some peace of mind, but could also save their lives,"
said Abby Siegel, board member and co-founder of The Working
Wardrobe. "At The Working Wardrobe, we are thrilled to be able to
once again partner with Bell Atlantic Mobile and help bring attention to
this important cause."
Since 1995, Bell Atlantic Mobile's Wireless At Work program has
provided over 8,000 wireless phones to programs, arming thousands of
victims with emergency communications tools.
This October, Bell Atlantic Mobile is teaming with the Cellular
Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) to contribute to the
"Call to Protect" program. Under the "Call To
Protect" program, CTIA members will donate over 11,000 wireless
phones to victims. Bell Atlantic Mobile's contribution of 2,500 phones is
one of the largest among wireless carriers in the CTIA's nationwide
efforts.
Bell Atlantic Mobile owns and operates the largest wireless network in the
East and systems in the Southwest, covering 180,000 square miles, and the
largest chain of retail outlets devoted exclusively to wireless voice, data
and paging. Based in Bedminster, NJ, Bell Atlantic Mobile has 6.6
million customers and 8,000 employees from Maine to Georgia and in
parts of Arizona, New Mexico and west Texas. Through its
"Wireless at Work..." community service program, the
company uses its technology to help individuals and communities improve
security and emergency communications. Bell Atlantic Mobile's parent,
Bell Atlantic Corporation (NYSE:BEL) is one of the world's largest
wireless communications companies, with domestic operations in 25 states
and international investments in Mexico, Europe and the Pacific Rim. For
more information on Bell Atlantic Mobile visit: www.bam.com; on global
operations visit: www.bellatlantic.com/worldwide.