Blog

Elder abuse affects one in ten older adults in the U.S., yet only 1 in 24 cases are reported. The 911 Cell Phone Bank is helping to combat elder abuse by providing secure, free phones to victims in need. These devices serve as vital lifelines, empowering older adults to seek help and stay connected to advocacy and law enforcement resources.

This World Ocean Day, we’re highlighting how unclaimed devices can be a force for good. Improper e-waste disposal harms marine ecosystems, but there’s a better way. Learn how the 911 Cell Phone Bank helps organizations recycle responsibly—supporting both the planet and survivors of abuse.

From lost phones to life-saving tools—Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos are making every device count. Through their partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, unclaimed electronics from their lost & found are securely wiped and repurposed to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

This year alone, the 911 Cell Phone Bank: 1) Wiped data from 40,125 phones, 2) Recycled 117,020 lbs of e-waste, 3) Helped survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking find safety. Read our full 2024 Annual Report to see how we’re saving lives and protecting the planet—one device at a time.

In a world where change is constant, strong leadership means staying curious and adaptable. Our latest blog explores why lifelong learning is essential for community leaders navigating shifting policies, cultural shifts, and digital transformation.

Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with law enforcement agencies, victim service organizations, and countless businesses across the country to collect, wipe, and repurpose unused phones and electronic devices. Here are 6 powerful lessons we’ve learned—delivered in 5 minutes or less.

PENN exemplifies leadership in corporate responsibility by implementing a sustainable solution for electronic devices found in their casinos.

A smartphone walks into a lost and found and mutters, “Last thing I remember was falling between the hotel bed and the nightstand.” If lost phones could talk, oh, the stories they’d tell…

Youth violence affects countless families and communities, with over 700,000 young people treated for assault-related injuries each year. During National Youth Violence Prevention Week, the 911 Cell Phone Bank is taking action by providing at-risk youth with secure communication tools.

A legacy isn’t built in a single moment—it’s shaped by the quiet choices we make every day. Whether you’re mentoring someone, preserving family memories, or donating your old cell phone to help a survivor, your daily actions can become a light that lasts long after you’re gone. In this article, discover how to live intentionally and leave behind more than just memories.

The 911 Cell Phone Bank’s PHONE IT FORWARD Campaign is the perfect way to connect the spirit of Pay It Forward Day with the fight against human trafficking and domestic violence. By donating unused cell phones and electronic devices, you can provide a lifeline to individuals in crisis while contributing to a more sustainable planet.

Despite decades of progress, many survivors face significant barriers to accessing services that protect their rights, offer safety, and foster healing. 911 Cell Phone Bank supports advocacy programs by providing donated cell phones to victims and survivors.

In a partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Broward County Transit System, and our newest partnership in the area, Women in Distress advocacy program, demonstrate how a community can come together to offer a vital resource for victims and survivors, thus combating the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence efficiently.

The 2025 Earth Month theme focuses on accelerating the shift to clean energy, reducing pollution, and addressing the environmental and social injustices caused by reliance on fossil fuels. But sustainability isn’t just about energy—it’s also about responsible consumption and waste reduction.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a time to support survivors, raise awareness about sexual violence, and identify strategies to prevent such crimes. The 911 Cell Phone Bank, in partnership with law enforcement agencies and advocacy programs, is addressing this critical issue by providing victims with “clean” cell phones—devices free from tracking or monitoring that can serve as lifelines for escape and independence.

As businesses strive to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, many overlook a crucial opportunity: sustainable technology disposal. Properly managing electronic waste (e-waste) is not just about environmental responsibility—it’s also a chance to create positive social impact and strengthen governance practices. Here’s how to identify gaps and take action.

“Reducing e-waste is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a social responsibility. By recycling phones, we’re not only protecting the planet but also providing vital tools to help vulnerable individuals.”

Maria found herself trapped. Jake took her identification and money, forcing her into sex work under threats of violence. He monitored her every move—checking her call logs, tracking her location, and even reading her messages through spyware installed on her phone. If she tried to contact anyone for help, he would know immediately.

The Maysville Police Department has teamed up with the 911 Cell Phone Bank to provide emergency phones for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. These devices offer a lifeline—a way to call for help without fear of being tracked. Officer Curtis Neal says it best: “A simple phone can be a bridge from fear to freedom.”

PeaceWorks, a dedicated advocacy program committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence, is celebrating a true success story made possible through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank.