The Verizon Foundation has granted the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County (DVC) $23,000 to provide staff support for the DVC Residential Department.

DVC Staff & Executive Director Jodi Finkelstein (left) accepts $23,000 from Verizon Foundation Assistant Vice President of External Affairs Briana Gowing (right)

“The DVC is truly thankful and appreciative of all the support Verizon has given us over the years,” said Jodi Finkelstein, DVC executive director.  “Without the company we would not be able to help our clients and make it through the recession somewhat unscathed.  We have had a wonderful relationship with Verizon, whose support has helped make the work we do possible.”

The DVC residential program is staffed 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. When clients are admitted into the residential program, they may stay in the 45-day emergency Safehouse and/or in one of the long-term transitional homes for up to one year.  During their stay, clients and their children receive case management, ongoing support from staff within the homes, and a safe place to live free of abuse.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by an individual to establish and maintain power and control over his/her partner through physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, and/or economic abuse.  Partners may be married, unmarried, heterosexual, gay or lesbian, living together, separated, or dating.  Each year thousands of women, children, and men find themselves in abusive situations regardless of age, race, educational, or economic backgrounds.

“Raising awareness about domestic violence and aiding in its prevention is one of Verizon’s key goals,” said Briana Gowing, Verizon’s assistant vice president of external affairs.  “Domestic violence touches every segment of society.  And, while the problem is universal, the solutions are not.  Verizon is proud to partner once again with the DVC and support the good work it does.”

For more information on the Verizon Foundation visit, www.verizonfoundation.org.