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The office donated hundreds of cell phones to be recycled.
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District Attorney David Capeless.
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The company presented a check to the Elizabeth Freeman Center on Thursday.

Verizon's Hopeline Program Protects Domestic Abuse Victims

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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Becca Bradburd, Linda Strassell, Janis Broderick, David Capeless, and Mike Murphy at the Verizon Wireless Store on Hubbard Avenue on Thursday.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With today's technology it can be pretty easy to track someone down. When it comes to domestic abuse victims, Verizon wants to make sure that isn't the case.

Each year, Verizon donates boxes of secure cell phones to the Elizabeth Freeman Center to give to victims — getting them off the family plan and onto a secured line.
 
"The Hopeline gives us a safe phone to give folks so they can call for help or call for services," Elizabeth Freeman Center Executive Director Janis Broderick.
 
"They really do save lives. We give out at least 100 phones per year."
 
The phones given to the center is part of the company's 'Hopeline' program. On Thursday, District Attorney David Capeless turned over hundreds of old cell phones to the company. Verizon will now recycle the parts and use the proceeds to send new phones and a cash donation to the Freeman Center. The new phones are all stocked with minutes and texts for victims to use.
 
We couldn't do these grants or Hopeline phones without the community's help," said Verizon spokesman Mike Murphy. "Through the revenues we generate fro this program we can give grants to our partners."
 
In its 10th year, Verizon gifted the Freeman Center a $5,000 check. Broderick says that'll go to support the organization's 24-hour emergency services. That response gives families whatever emergency needs the family has at the time. Broderick said the needs vary on a case by case basis.
 
"We're confident our resources are being put to good use," Murphy said.
 
The money is generated from Capeless' collections in which hundreds of old cell phones are collected and shipped to the company. Capeless said the partnership among the three agencies isn't just finances but the collection process sheds light on the problem of domestic abuse.
 
"It reminds them that this is an ongoing issue," Capeless said. 
 
He credited Verizon with putting in the effort to make it happen because "for Verizon this is not simply a public relations event" but a program requiring a significant amount of work.
 
"This is such a great program," the district attorney said.
 
Broderick said the Elizabeth Freeman Center operates on a "bare bones" budget so it relies on community partners like Verizon and the district attorney's office.
 
"I think our partnerships in Berkshire County make our work more effective," she said. 

Tags: cell service,   district attorney,   donations,   elizabeth freeman center,   Verizon,   

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Taconic High Names Top Students of the Class of 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 
 
They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 
 
Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.
 
Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 
 
A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped
referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.
 
He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 
 
O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 
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