Verizon Foundation creates grant for violence programs

The Verizon Foundation recently provided a grant to the Domestic Violence Service Center to support its programs to increase knowledge about dating violence, healthy relationships and resources and strategies available to reduce and prevent violent behaviors in teens. The program will be guided by the Safe Dates curriculum. Students in grades 7-12 will receive training materials, certificates of completion, wristbands, teen dating pledge and brochures. Posters for schools with crisis hotline numbers will also be available. A pilot peer mentor project will also be implemented in both Luzerne and Carbon counties. At the presentation, from left: Thomas M. Leighton, mayor, Wilkes-Barre; Daniel J. Reavy, director of external affairs, Verizon; Paula M. Triano, executive director, Domestic Violence Service Center; William D. Moore, president and chief executive officer, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry; and Christopher Blasi, district manager, Verizon Wireless.