By BETH HURD

With the help of Johnston

town employees, The R.I. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its local

member agency, the Elizabeth

Buffum Chace

Center, received 77 used

cell phones, 44 chargers and a SIM card copier to benefit victims of domestic

violence.

Employees donated the items on April 24, which will be

turned over to Shelter Alliance, a company that refurbishes phones for use by

victims. They reprogram the phones to be able to call 911 for emergency

situations.

"The phones also provide independence, making

victims feel less isolated. There are so many victims who think no one

cares," said Judith A. Kinzel, director of community services for EBCC.

The Coalition's services are provided by several local

agencies, including the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, the Domestic Violence Resource

Center of South County, the EBC Center, Sojourner House, Women's Center of R.I.

and the Women's Resource

Center.

On top of working with domestic violence shelters and

programs, Shelter Alliance also gives the domestic violence organizations

between 10 cents and $10 for each phone donated. Funds raised through the cell

phone donation are used for direct services such as counseling, court advocacy,

hotline support and shelter to victims.

Mayor Joseph Polisena is glad the cell phone drive was

successful and said he appreciates the work the RICADV does.

"As a former state senator, I know how hard these

women work for women who can't protect themselves," he said in a press

conference, attended by Kinzel along with Executive Director of RICADV Deborah

DeBare.

The town switched cell phone carriers from Nextel to

Verizon in February, with an estimated cost savings of $8,900 for the year, but

Polisena made sure the old phones were put to good use.

"We were able to get a better plan for the town, and

when I made the switch, I made sure Verizon did not charge us for the

phones," Polisena said. "There's no sense in these phones sitting

downstairs, in a box, collecting dust.”

The mayor consulted with members of the Town Council, who

he said thought it was a great idea, before making the donation.

The program through Shelter Alliance, started about nine

years ago, has distributed more than 1,000 phones, and has collected more than

9,000, some of which are too out of date, but can be used for parts.

"The reconditioning is free for us, and we get them

back, packed up, looking new," said DeBare.

DeBare went on to say that last year, the Coalition was

contacted by 10,000 victims, which is exactly why they aim to educate the

community with prevention programs in schools and awareness campaigns every

October.

"Domestic violence happens in every town, and I'm

hoping these phones can prevent a further escalation of violence,” Polisena

said. “If one of these phones saves a life, we in Johnston will be proud. It's a win-win

situation.”

The Coalition has a statewide, 24-hour, toll-free number,

1-800-494-8100. For more information, visit www.ricadv.org.