Stopping domestic violence and helping those who couldn’t

The University of Florida Division of Public Safety recently announced its partnership with the Atkins Warren Chapter of NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, to collect used cell phones for the Hopeline® from Verizon.

The program collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries, chargers and accessories – in any condition, from any service provider – to benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence. The phones donated to Hopeline are recycled or resold, with the proceeds going towards the financial support of domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives.

One of the missions of the University Police Department, or UFPD, is to help reduce the incidence and severity of domestic violence, protect the victims, and then provide them with support through a combination of law enforcement and community services.

Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick and several UFPD officers are active members of the Atkins Warren Chapter of NOBLE, which is the local organization chapter, and all recognize the immediate benefit of this program. UFPD Victim Advocate Naomi Phineas said, “There are numerous services within our community that care deeply about the issue of domestic violence. All are collectively working towards providing a service to promote the well-being and safety of those who are experiencing domestic violence and this program is but one more example of those services.”

During this initiative, a collection box will be placed at the front desk of the UF Public Safety building located at 1555 Museum Road (Museum Road and Newell Drive). The collection box will be available until the end of February.

Additional information about the Hopeline from Verizon program can be found at verizon.com/about/responsibility/hopeline.