Massachusetts Nonprofits Receive Verizon Foundation Grant for Domestic Violence Prevention and Survivor Support

Womanshelter/Companeras, an award winner, from Holyoke, Mass., hosted the Verizon Foundation Domestic Violence Solutions Awards. Pictured from left: Ellen Cummings, Verizon Regional Director of Public Affairs; Donna Cupelo, Verizon Region President of New England; Karen Cavanaugh, Executive Director of Womanshelter/Companeras; and Mayor Michael Sullivan of Holyoke.

Thirteen nonprofit agencies tackling the difficult challenges of domestic violence across the state of Massachusetts received a $160,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation. They will use the funds for education, advocacy, support and prevention initiatives.

Verizon New England President Donna Cupelo presented the grants in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Holyoke, Massachusetts Mayor Michael Sullivan.

At the presentation ceremony, Karen Cavanaugh, executive director of Womanshelter/Companeras of Holyoke, said, "By funding innovative programs like our victim resource workshops, the Verizon Foundation demonstrates a commitment to helping all victims of domestic violence. This level of concern and support strengthens our families, our agencies and our communities."

The organizations receiving grants include Abby Kelly Foster's House of Worcester, Close to Home of Dorchester, Elizabeth Freeman Center Inc. of Pittsfield, Elizabeth Stone House of Jamaica Plain, Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project of Cambridge, Healthcare of Southeastern Massachusetts of Brockton and Manet Community Health Center of Quincy. Also, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers of Cambridge/Lowell, New Bedford Women's Center, Northeastern University School of Law Domestic Violence Institute, Portal to Hope of Medford, Reach Beyond Domestic Violence of Waltham and Womanshelter/Companeras.

In the past three years, the Verizon Foundation has awarded $500,000 to nonprofits that focus on domestic violence in Massachusetts. "These funds will go a long way in helping to educate Massachusetts residents about abuse, the steps needed for prevention and for assisting those people trapped in abusive relationships to get help and restore their lives," said Cupelo.