Domestic Violence Survivors Achieve Economic Self-Sufficiency With Help From Jenesse Center, Verizon

The Jenesse Center's Career Transitions Program, bolstered by a grant of $150,000 from the Verizon Foundation, has helped 12 more survivors of domestic violence become economically self-sufficient.

The 12-week program, created in partnership with Verizon and supported by the National Business Services Alliance, enables enrollees to become certified for jobs in various professions, including business, medicine, customer service and computer training. The certification is provided by nationally accredited colleges, such as Rutgers University, Louisiana State University and Cal State University, Sacramento. 

During a recent graduation ceremony for the 12 enrollees, Verizon representatives presented the Jenesse Center with a check for the grant, bringing the corporation's support for the Career Transitions Program to $250,000 since 2008.

"We are proud of the courage and determination of our clients to seek change in their lives," said Karen Earl, the Jenesse Center's executive director.  "We are honored to have Verizon as our corporate partner, and its support has moved our Jenesse clients into a new realm of self-sufficiency through education." 

The Career Transitions Program supports the Jenesse Center's goal to increase self- empowerment through education for women and families victimized by domestic violence.  Domestic violence can create serious obstacles that prevent survivors from achieving economic security and self-sufficiency.  By controlling and limiting the victim's access to financial resources, a batterer ensures that the victim will be financially limited if she chooses to leave the relationship.

"Jenesse's programs have been the catalyst needed to inspire women to make life-changing decisions, and Verizon is pleased to work with them," said Elva Lima, vice president, strategic programs, Verizon. "We are extremely proud of the women who have made the tough decision to step away from the violence and complete the Career Transitions Program to assist them in becoming economically self-sufficient and free of from abuse."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $67.5 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $24.4 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

About Jenesse Center
Founded in 1980, Jenesse Center Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides culturally sensitive programs, services and outreach efforts to families victimized by domestic violence, by providing a comprehensive, centralized base of support and services that ensures a transition from immediate crisis to stability and self-sufficiency. Jenesse Center provides a holistic, comprehensive program to nurture victimized families back to a place of mental, financial, physical and emotional well-being.  
Housing women and children from 30 days up to two years through its 156-bed emergency and transitional shelters, Jenesse also provides a variety of support services to more than 1,000 families annually including mental health counseling, independent life skills classes, computer training, job referrals, after school programs for children, field trips, tutoring and legal assistance offering assistance with obtaining restraining orders for domestic violence victims.

About Verizon Communications Inc.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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