What inspired your agency to partner with the 911 Cell Phone Bank (911CPB)?

I don’t recall how we first learned about the 911 Cell Phone Bank, but we are incredibly grateful for them and have been partnering with their team for over five years now. They have provided tremendous support to our agency, and their generosity has directly strengthened our ability to serve victims. We simply could not have the same level of impact without their ongoing support.

What benefits has your department and community experienced since using the 911CPB program?

The simple act of providing a survivor with a free, safe, and working phone can create a powerful ripple effect on their life. A reliable phone allows a victim to reconnect with supportive and safe people, access critical resources such as shelter and victim advocacy, and stay informed about their criminal case. It also ensures they receive timely notifications about court proceedings and updates if the perpetrator is released. Through the 911 Cell Phone Bank, the Family Advocacy Center is able to provide this critical resource, helping victims stay connected to the outside world after often being isolated by their abuser. This one device can significantly increase a survivor’s safety, stability, and ability to move forward.

Can you share an experience where a victim of domestic violence has benefited from a 911CPB cell phone or another electronic device?

Our office has countless examples of how imperative a cell phone or electronic device donation is in the lives of victims in crisis. Here are three noteworthy examples:

1. A domestic violence victim came to the Family Advocacy Center seeking help for herself and her baby. The victim disclosed that her boyfriend strangled her multiple times and made threats to kill her and their child. A Victim Advocate liaised with the Phoenix Police Family Investigations Bureau Domestic Violence unit to complete a police report and facilitate the process for the victim to obtain a forensic medical exam. The Advocate assisted with securing emergency shelter and provided the family with basic needs, including clothing, diapers, formula, toiletries, and a preloaded cell phone. The preloaded cell phone was a critical tool in assisting the client with staying in contact with her victim advocate and reconnecting with her family out of state. The victim and her child were able to relocate safely out of state and were reunited with family.
2. A domestic violence victim was brought to the Family Advocacy Center by a patrol unit following a severe assault and strangulation. The suspect broke the victim’s cell phone during the incident, and she did not have the financial means to replace the broken phone. The Advocate assisted her by securing emergency shelter, an order of protection, and a preloaded cell phone. The suspect was arrested for the crime, and the victim was able to use the cell phone to opt-in for her victims’ rights and notifications with the jail. A victim having a safe and secure phone line allows them to stay connected to critical supports and receive timely notifications regarding the criminal case and any changes if the suspect where to be released from jail.
3. A domestic violence survivor was receiving short term case management services from her Victim Advocate. During a session, the client shared that her child hoped to enroll in community college after graduating high school but lacked access to a device for schoolwork. Recognizing the family’s financial barriers, the Victim Advocate contacted the 911 Cell Phone Bank to request support. The organization generously provided the child with a refurbished Chromebook, enabling them to begin their studies. With this resource, the child successfully enrolled in community college and is now pursuing a career in Criminal Justice. This donation had a profound impact on the family, especially given that the child had intervened during the domestic violence incident that led to the perpetrator’s arrest.

What encouragement would you offer to others who are interested in donating phones and other electronic devices to the 911CPB?

Our program has seen firsthand the meaningful impact these donations have on the lives of our clients. If you have any hesitation about donating, we encourage you to contact 911CPB directly. Their team is knowledgeable, approachable, and able to answer any questions you may have about the donation process. They make donating phones and other devices incredibly simple by providing a prepaid shipping label and coordinating package pickup. It truly could not be easier.

What advice or feedback would you offer to other law enforcement or victims’ agencies if they are considering becoming an agency partner with the 911CPB?

Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call 911CPB and ask for Laura! Their entire staff is personable, caring, and deeply understands the importance of victim services. They are dependable, responsive, and consistently make a meaningful impact in the lives of the victims we serve. Laura checks in on our program regularly and always makes sure we have the resources we need. Partnering with the 911 Cell Phone Bank is truly a ‘no brainer.’