Tech Citizenship

Cupelo

As a company focused on making money through the spoken word, it might come as a surprise that Verizon Communications Inc. directs a large part of its charitable efforts toward efforts promoting literacy.

“It’s really a direction where we are focusing on our core competencies — what can we bring to our customers and what can we bring to the community?” said Donna Cupelo, Massachusetts and Rhode Island region president for Verizon.

Verizon made donations to literacy efforts in Framingham, Lawrence, Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, and a “very innovative program” in Worcester with the Worcester Public Library, Cupelo said.

In addition to literacy, Verizon looks to help victims of domestic violence, and to bring assistive technologies to disabled individuals. Verizon is a longtime supporter of programs for victims of domestic violence.

“We have been reaching out to support victims of domestic violence throughout the entire history of our giving,” said Cupelo. “This year, we also supported some programs targeted toward men as well as young people, because that’s where it starts.”

“We also started using our tech expertise by working with the recipients on how to use technology to better reach clients and victims they support.”

Verizon worked with a number of agencies in Massachusetts on assistive technology grants to provide service grants to individuals with disabilities.

Much of the direction for Verizon’s focus on giving came from employees, Cupelo said.

“Years ago all we did was United Way — now that’s very different. Today we give employees a choice.”

Citizenship Facts

Verizon Communications Inc.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2006: $3,397690

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2006: 37,267

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: N/A

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2006: Casa Myrna Vasquez; Jane Doe Inc.; Deaf Community Enterprises Inc.; Easter Seals Massachusetts

Interesting philanthropic activities: Verizon gave $150,000 in ESL Technology grants to seven non-profits across Massachusetts focused on using technology to improve the delivery of literacy training for immigrant learners. The company also donated 12 grants during Domestic Violence Month in October this year, amounting to $200,000 to support agencies that focus on domestic violence victim services and prevention. And the Verizon Foundation is awarding grants of $25,000 each to four Massachusetts nonprofit agencies dedicated to improving accessibility.

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