It was a proud moment this week for Verizon Wireless and the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center (EBCC) and their efforts in the fight against domestic violence. Through Verizon’s HopeLine program, the EBCC received a $10,000 grant to aid in their mission to end the perpetration and societal tolerance of domestic violence, and provide counseling services to victims and survivors.

HopeLine, which has kiosks located in 1,900 Verizon stores, collects used phones and accessories in any condition, from any carrier. Through the donations received, Verizon generates resources and grants to assist non-profit domestic violence agencies.

Since the program’s launch in October 2001, HopeLine has donated more than 190,000 HopeLine phones free of charge to victims and survivors of domestic violence and assault. The phones are pre-serviced with 3,000 minutes, text messaging and data.

“It’s a way to conduct the recovery process,” said Michael Murphy, a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless. Victims and survivors can use the phone as a secure means of communication in finding work and getting back into the community.

HopeLine is environmentally economical, too. Because the phones are not discarded, they are properly recycled, and for a good cause.

“It’s good to know that none of these phones end up in landfills,” Murphy said.

According to Verizon’s website, the program has additionally awarded more than $29 million in grants to non-profit organizations over the years.

EBCC, named after Elizabeth Buffum Chace, a Rhode Islander and an activist living in the 1800s, has “dedicated to improving the lives of women and children” for 36 years. They work with 10 cities and towns in the Kent County area on a regular basis, and their court program serves an additional 1,700 to 1,800 individuals per year.

This grant will be a great help to the organization, who has struggled in the past due to budget cuts.

“This grant will allow an increase in the allocation of hours spent with women,” said EBCC Executive Director Judy Earle. “We’ll stretch it out as much as we can.”

She said the money would fund 700 hours of shelter advocacy, which will allow staff to spend more time in the EBCC’s 24-hour shelter working closely with residents.

“We advocate for our clients and what they need,” Earle said. “It’s tough for them to be here.”

It will also help fund their 24-hour crisis hotline. Earle is undoubtedly grateful how this grant will help victims and survivors of domestic violence.

“Your hope line is our lifeline,” she said.

Each of the EBCC’s counseling services comes at no cost, and the organization does not access their clienteles’ health insurance. Their business phone is 738-9700. Their hotline can be reached at 738-1700.