Town's former cell phones become valuable lifelines

Cell phones may be a nuisance to some people, but for victims of domestic violence they could be a lifesaver.

That’s why Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena on Tuesday donated 140 cell phones to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and local member agency the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center.

“It’s senseless to have these gently used cell phones sitting in a box collecting dust when they could save the life of a victim of domestic violence,” Polisena said. “This is the second time that we are donating our used cell phones to those who are in need.”

The cell phone donation is the result of a collection coordinated by Jen Goldberg and Janet Whiteley of the mayor’s office. The majority of cell phones became available when the town of Johnston changed providers, resulting in “a huge savings to the town,” according to Whiteley, and were used by municipal employees as well as police and fire personnel.

Goldberg and Whiteley also collected cell phones from town hall employees and their families as well as some generous citizens who found out about the collection.

“Domestic violence has no conscience,” Polisena said. “It affects the poor, middle class and, in some cases, the wealthy. In a moment, Deborah DeBare will explain what is exactly done with these gently used phones when donations are made.”

But before Polisena introduced DeBare, who serves as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, he said, “I encourage everyone to donate their used cell phones. I also challenge my fellow mayors, town administrators and town managers to do the same. They will be helping the citizens of their community and our state.”

Polisena then turned the microphone over to DeBare, saying, “Deb and her volunteers are truly the silent heroes of our state. They continue to assist victims of domestic violence as well as their family members who are profoundly affected.”

DeBare thanked Polisena and the town of Johnston.

“The simple act of donating a cell phone does more than give a victim the ability to communicate; it also gives her the ability to make a safely plan and it possibly prevents a domestic violence tragedy. We thank Mayor Polisena for his support and encourage others to be active bystanders – it is through community involvement in efforts such as this cell phone drive that we will end domestic violence.”

DeBare said cell phones are used in two ways by her agency.

“They provide a lifeline to a victim of domestic violence by providing her/him the ability to safely communicate,” she said. “Funds are also given to domestic violence agencies for the sale of parts from those phones that cannot be used.”

DeBare then gave a glaring example of just how important it is for a victim of domestic violence to have that cell phone.

“If a victim of domestic violence is being stalked and sees that person when he/she is shopping in a supermarket, all they have to do is press a button and the cell phone connects them to 911,” DeBare said. “If that victim does have that cell phone, it could be a lifesaver.”

DeBare explained that the funds raised through this donation will go directly to the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, which provides direct services to victims of domestic violence from Johnston and throughout Kent County.

“Remember, these fellow Rhode Islanders are victims,” Polisena said. “Many have been severely abused. Many may not think that they can get out of an abusive relationship. But they can! With the help of Deb and her staff, there is an alternative. There is a way out. We need to ensure that all victims know that there is help.”