The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) through its Vision of Hope project announces a $30,000 grant from Verizon Foundation and Verizon Wireless to provide Internet Safety educational outreach in Cumberland County.
The funding will help the YWCA of Carlisle offer this program to students, parents and educators in the Cumberland Valley and Big Spring School Districts.
(L to R) Rich Hunter from Verizon Wireless, Delilah Rumburg (PCAR), Chris Brennan From Verizon
“PCAR is thankful to form a partnership with Verizon and Verizon Wireless that will help to make our children safer,” said PCAR Executive Director Delilah Rumburg. “Verizon and Verizon Wireless have shown a strong dedication to the anti-violence movement. I look forward working with them to help end violence to children and families in the community.”
The Internet Safety Program will include multiple activities designed to increase students’ knowledge of risky online behaviors including hands-on training for parents and the general public and an awareness campaign.
“Our children are growing up in a digital world. It’s how they communicate, learn and share ideas,” said Christopher Brennan, Director-External Affairs with Verizon Pennsylvania. “Online technology has had a tremendous impact on our society, and its role will continue to grow with further advances. Verizon is proud to partner with PCAR to educate and empower students, parents and teachers in the Cumberland County community to enjoy a safe experience while on the internet.”
Rich Hunter, Associate Director, Business Sales for Verizon Wireless, added: “We are proud to work with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape to raise awareness and provide resources through our exclusive HopeLine® phone recycling program, which has existed for nearly a decade and a half. No single company or agency can fully address the critical need to keep our children from falling prey to internet predators but working together, we can all make a much larger impact.”
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education, free online resources through its educational platform, Thinkfinity.org and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.
About Verizon Wireless and HopeLine
Verizon Wireless, based in Basking Ridge, N.J., operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Verizon Wireless encourages customers who are upgrading their wireless phone to participate in its exclusive HopeLine phone-recycling program. The national HopeLine program distributes previously owned wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method of recycling phones. Donations are accepted at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country. For additional information, customers can also visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
PCAR is the oldest and largest state anti-sexual violence coalition in the U.S. The organization represents 51 sexual assault centers that serve all of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. Each year, these centers provide confidential services, at no charge, to more than 21,000 victims of sexual abuse.