GLBTQ-DVP Gets Historic Federal Grant

The Verizon Foundation awarded the GLBTQ Domestic Violence Project (GLBTQ-DVP) a $5,000 grant for a prevention and community engagement program. The program goals are to empower the GLBTQ community to speak out against domestic violence, act as positive influencers to other members, and provide awareness and resources to the community.

"This award allows us to conduct critical community engagement work to both help survivors connect with services and to help educate the community about how they can be a resource for a friend in crisis," said Greg DeCenzo, chair of GLBTQ-DVP's Board of Directors.

GLBTQ-DVP is one of 48 nonprofit agencies across New England that received a total of $280,000 in grants to support domestic violence prevention and services programs as part of The Verizon Foundation's 2014 New England Domestic Violence Solutions Awards program.

This year, the Verizon Foundation is supporting programs that provide services to survivors, engage community in domestic violence awareness and prevention, mobilize young people to engage in healthy relationships, help survivors build financial stability and support families through healthcare initiatives.

One of The Verizon Foundation's areas of focus is addressing domestic violence immediately, while also identifying solutions for the future. Since 2000, the Verizon Foundation has invested more than half a billion dollars to improve the communities where Verizon employees work and live.

Verizon's employees are generous with their donations and their time, having logged more than 6.2 million hours of service to make a positive difference in their communities. For more information about Verizon's philanthropic work, visit http://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/; or for regular updates, visit the Foundation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/verizonfoundation) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/verizongiving).

The GLBTQ-DVP, founded in 1994, provides support and services to victims and survivors of domestic violence who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (GLBTQ). The organization is conducting groundbreaking research funded by a prestigious 2013 four-year federal contract to identify and evaluate a trauma-informed approach specific for GLBTQ survivors.

For individuals who are seeking services, the organization has a 24-hour hotline, an emergency safe home, crisis intervention, direct legal representation, sexual assault case management, and police and court accompaniment.

For help, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-832-1901. For more information, visit www.glbtqdvp.org/