A Timely Response by Volunteers from the Verizon TelecomPioneers

It took three very full SUVs to transport all the groceries donated to Laurel House today by members of the Verizon TelecomPioneers' Northeast Council Liberty Bell Chapter.

They arrived this morning, first thing, and soon our conference room table (and some of the room itself) was filled with jugs of apple juice, boxes of pretzels and crackers, condiments, oatmeal, pounds of pasta and rice, and industrial-sized cans of tomato sauce.

While we were organizing the groceries, one of our counselors came into the conference room. She had a client, she said, whose abuser just cut off her access to all the food in the house, for herself and her children. They were hungry, they needed help, they were working out a plan.

Could we help this family out with some food?

Yes. We could help.

Because so many people already have.

TelecomPioneers Donate Funds to Enhance Laurel House's Technology Capabilities

Members of the Verizon TelecomPioneers Liberty Bell Chapter presented Laurel House with a $10,000 grant today. This generous contribution, made possible through the hard work of Chapter President Bernadette Allen (pictured third from left) and other members, will support Laurel House's technology needs, especially in regards to the infrastructure components.

"Each of our programs for people affected by domestic abuse depends on having safe and secure technology systems and will benefit directly from this generous grant in several ways," explained Melissa Firman, Director of Development and Public Relations (pictured fourth from left).

Funds will be used to obtain and install a new, dedicated server to enable counselors and advocates for people in Laurel House’s shelter to provide more efficient services. Program managers who spend considerable time with community groups will be able to provide better services through upgraded laptops and technology. Finally, residents in Laurel House’s transitional housing program will have increased access to refurbished computers to learn about career opportunities and community resources.

Many thanks to the Verizon TelecomPioneers for this generous grant!