Milwaukee’s Sojourner Family Center was awarded a $20,000 grant from Verizon through as part of a financial pledge made through "Because Voices Have Power," a social media campaign that encouraged people to share messages of hope to domestic violence victims and survivors.  The grant is part of the company's HopeLine program.

For every message of hope using the hashtag #VoicesHavePower, Verizon donated $3 toward domestic violence prevention and awareness programs and initiatives. The campaign was supported by consumers and domestic violence organizations across the country and garnered more than 118,000 messages of hope since its launch over the summer. The pledge made through the campaign will aid several organizations, such as Sojourner Family Peace Center, in enhancing their domestic violence awareness, prevention and empowerment efforts.

"Verizon's ‘Because Voices Have Power’ campaign was a powerful effort," said Carmen Pitre, executive director, Sojourner Family Peace Center. "We were pleased to participate and believe that these types of actions are essential and necessary to end the cycle of domestic violence. This campaign in particular gave support, courage and hope to those who have been impacted by domestic violence – reminding them that they matter and that they have the power to make positive changes for themselves and their families."

The donation made to Sojourner Family Peace Center will support their education and training programs promoting self-efficacy and economic freedom for the 9,500 victims and survivors the organization serves.

 Through HopeLine, Verizon collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries, chargers and accessories to benefit victims and survivors of domestic violence.