Newsroom
Press Releases

<< Back to Press Releases

U. S. Steel Collects Cell Phones for Victims of Domestic Violence

PRNewswire
PITTSBURGH
03.23.2004

Raymond Terza, General Manager of United States Steel Corporation's Mon Valley Works, today donated unwanted, used cell phones to Womansplace Executive Director Laurie MacDonald and Executive Assistant Fran Trimpey in an effort to assist victims of domestic violence. U. S. Steel is one of many corporations and businesses who have "answered the call" and collected cell phones for Womansplace. Mon Valley Works' collection is the largest number of phones donated to Womansplace at one time and will have a significant impact on the shelter's cell phone programs.

Since 1976, Womansplace has provided a safe-haven for women and children whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence. The shelter constantly strives to enhance the quality of life for the women and children it serves. In an effort to defray costs, Womansplace participates in two important programs: HopeLine(SM) and Shelter Alliance.

Through its HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless provides shelters with cell phones that are then given to victims. These can be used during and after their stay at the shelter to conduct business and to use as a safety net while they are away from the shelter or entering into a new home. HopeLine phones and associated airtime are provided by Verizon Wireless at no cost to the shelters.

Shelter Alliance provides non-profit organizations like Womansplace with an opportunity to receive funding from sources other than federal, state or local governments. While government dollars are dwindling every year, this method of fundraising -- collecting cell phones for profit -- enables Womansplace to continue to provide necessary services to the women and children who depend on our organization as a fundamental part of their struggle for a new start to a healthy lifestyle.

Last year, United States Steel Foundation awarded Womansplace a $10,000 grant to be used for technology and security as part of the Foundation's 2003 Health and Human Services Program. These funds allowed Womansplace to increase safety and security throughout its facility.

U. S. Steel's generous commitment to Womansplace and the victims of domestic violence it serves is strong and focused. Working together we can end domestic violence in our communities.

As Womansplace continues our mission to service victims of domestic violence, we invite any corporation, business, or individual to join in our efforts and organize a cell phone drive. Information on how you can get involved can be obtained by visiting our site at www.womansplace.org or contact Fran Trimpey at (412) 678-4620 ext. 200.

SOURCE: Womansplace

CONTACT: Fran Trimpey of Womansplace, +1-412-678-4620, Ext. 200

Web site: http://www.womansplace.org/