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.
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication.
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
The ceremony took place under a large tent behind the Elizabeth Gatchell Klein Arts Center on the School's Holmes Road campus and was broadcast worldwide via Zoom. click for more
On Monday, the Ordinances and Rules Subcommittee supported adding the community health program manager position as part of the department's new initiative.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and General Electric last week held a public hearing at Herberg Middle School for the Reach 5A Final Design and Restoration Plan, which details remediation efforts for the Pittsfield stretch of the Housatonic River.
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