Promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community




	Web of Benefit Receives Fourth Verizon Wireless Hopeline® $1000 Grant and Capital Funding From The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Grants Support Continued Aid to Domestic Violence Survivors

	BOSTON, MA, July 5, 2007 - Web of Benefit, Inc., a non-profit organization promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community, today announced that it has been awarded its fourth grant in two years from the Verizon Wireless Hopeline $1000 Grant Program, which makes funds available to not-for-profit organizations that work with domestic violence survivors. It also received a capital grant from the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust to purchase computers for survivors of domestic violence to help them with education, job searches and communication. Web of Benefit will use the Verizon Wireless Hopeline $1000 Grant to provide Self-Sufficiency Grants to deserving women in the Greater Boston area. Web of Benefit is the only local organization that awards Self-Sufficiency Grants to women once they are out of a temporary shelter, to help them remain violence free and become economically self-sufficient. These grants provide women with multiple services and resources to meet their individual needs and achieve their unique goals and dreams. To date, Web of Benefit has awarded approximately 150 Self Sufficiency Grants, and served another 100 women through sponsored programs such as Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) and Self-Esteem Boston. "We are so grateful for organizations like The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust and Verizon Wireless, who support self-sufficiency of survivors of domestic violence," said Johanna Crawford, Founder and Director of Resources for Web of Benefit. "Without economic stability, many women return to an abusive situation, which is why the support of these organizations is vital to the continued independence of these survivors." Funding for the Verizon Wireless Hopeline program is a direct result of community members donating no-longer-used cell phones to HopeLine®, Verizon Wireless' national initiative which encourages consumers to recycle wireless products. In fact, cash grants awarded through HopeLine are the direct result of consumers donating their old cell phones. Web of Benefit's Self-Sufficiency Grants average between $750 and $1,000. Grants are awarded to applicants who have been out of abusive relationships for six months, and who are able to define their needs, goals and dreams. All recipients of Web of Benefit Self-Sufficiency Grants are required to become part of the Web of Benefit network by adhering to its "pay it forward" philosophy and completing three good works for other women in need. Since Web of Benefit’s inception, more than over 400 "pay-it-forward" good works have already completed. About Web of Benefit Web of Benefit was created in 2004 as a not-for-profit organization by women affected by domestic violence, for women escaping domestic violence, with the "soul" purpose of promoting liberation and personal independence of women in the Greater Boston area. For more information, please call 617-285-1900 or visit www.webofbenefit.org. About Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia. About The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust supports many colleges, universities, and private secondary schools through scholarship funds annually. These funds are administered by the colleges, universities and schools to the deserving students from rural communities. In addition, the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust awards grants for capital campaigns, capital items, renovation needs and equipment. Occasionally, the Trustees will approve a grant for the start-up of a new project, if in their opinion, the project appears fundamentally sound. The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust also supports a number of health and welfare organizations, health projects, special needs, including the blind, deaf and learning disabled, the elderly, children's hospitals, children's homes, youth organizations, youth/family services and summer camperships/summer enrichment programs.

Web of Benefit Receives $10,000 Grant From The Linden Foundation and
Second Verizon Wireless Hopeline® $1000 Grant

Grants Enable Web of Benefit To Aid Domestic Violence Survivors

BOSTON, MA, January 15, 2007 - Web of Benefit, Inc., a non-profit organization promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community, today announced that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from The Linden Foundation to enable survivors of domestic violence to transition to economic self-sufficiency. It also received a second grant from the Verizon Wireless Hopeline $1000 Grant Program, which makes funds available to not-for-profit organizations that work with domestic violence survivors.

Web of Benefit will use the new $11,000 grants to provide Self-Sufficiency Grants to between 20-25 deserving women in the Greater Boston area. Web of Benefit is the only local organization that awards Self-Sufficiency Grants to women once they are out of a temporary shelter, to help them remain violence free and become economically self-sufficient. These grants provide women with multiple services and resources to meet their individual needs and achieve their unique goals and dreams.

"We are so grateful that leading organizations like The Linden Foundation and Verizon Wireless are working to help the community through the support of survivors of domestic violence," said Johanna Crawford, Founder and Director of Resources for Web of Benefit. "With the attention and support of these organizations we can be successful in making the dreams of these survivors come true."

Funding for the Verizon Wireless Hopeline program is a direct result of community members donating no-longer-used cell phones to HopeLine®, Verizon Wireless' national initiative which encourages consumers to recycle wireless products. In fact, cash grants awarded through HopeLine are the direct result of consumers donating their old cell phones.

Web of Benefit's Self-Sufficiency Grants average between $750 and $1,000. Grants are awarded to applicants who have been out of abusive relationships for six months, and who are able to define their needs, goals and dreams. All recipients of Web of Benefit Self-Sufficiency Grants are required to become part of the Web of Benefit network by adhering to its "pay it forward" philosophy and completing three good works for other women in need.

About The Linden Foundation
The Linden Foundation funds non-profit organizations that strengthen disadvantaged and homeless families by helping provide them with the skills and support systems they need to become cohesive, internally supportive, and self-sufficient. Preference is given to comprehensive programs that most directly help those in need, involve multiple family members, provide sustained support to the participants, and are administered by community-based organizations.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia

Web of Benefit Receives Second $20, 000 Grant From Carlisle Foundation

Grant Enables Web of Benefit to Continue Services And Resources
To Aid Domestic Violence Survivors; Recent Survey Results Demonstrate
Impact of Aid to Survivors

BOSTON, MA, August 1, 2006 - Web of Benefit, Inc., a non-profit organization promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community, today announced that it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Grant and Helene Wilson through the Carlisle Foundation of Framingham, MA. Through the commitment and generosity of Carlisle Services, Inc. and the Carlisle Foundation, combined grants of over $22 million have been made to multiple organizations since 1988.

Web of Benefit will use the $20,000 grant to provide Self-Sufficiency Grants to between 20-25 deserving women in the Greater Boston area. Web of Benefit is the only local organization that awards Self-Sufficiency Grants to women once they are out of a temporary shelter, to help them remain violence free and become economically self-sufficient. These grants provide women with multiple services and resources to meet their individual needs and achieve their unique goals and dreams.

"We are so grateful that Grant and Helene Wilson through Carlisle Foundation will continue to support domestic violence survivors after they have left an abusive situation," said Johanna Crawford, Founder and Director of Resources for Web of Benefit. "To have this type of continued support gives survivors stability in their pursuit of independence and long-term economic self-sufficiency."

"I had emailed or called every resource I could find from the Federal level down. Web of Benefit is the single source that actually helped me in a tangible way when I was desperate and would not have had any funds to pay my mortgage or keep my slim grip on sanity," said Sarah, a domestic violence survivor and Web of Benefit Self Sufficiency Grant recipient.

To date, Web of Benefit has awarded 70 Self Sufficiency Grants totaling $55,000 to survivors of domestic violence. In a recent survey of Web of Benefit grant recipients, a 400 percent increase in women finding permanent housing was reported. The survey also showed a major drop in the number of agencies involved in grant recipients' family welfare, including 25 percent of women who were no longer dependent on any government or agency. Fifty percent of those surveyed reported an increased level of education, either completing high school or a GED program, to completing some college.

About The CARLISLE Foundation
The CARLISLE Foundation was incorporated in 1991. It is "a private, operating foundation which attempts to promote creative problem solving and interventions through effective grant making."

Web of Benefit, Inc. Celebrates First Year Anniversary With 43
Grants to Survivors of Domestic Violence

BOSTON, MA - March 13, 2006 - Web of Benefit, Inc., a non-profit organization promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community, this month celebrates its first year of service to the Greater Boston community having awarded 43 grants totaling more than $30,000 to help survivors of domestic violence gain independence. In addition, 45 women have been reached through four, six week outreach programs.

Web of Benefit is the only local organization that awards Self-Sufficiency Grants to women once they are out of a temporary shelter, to help them remain violence free and become economically self-sufficient. All of the grants provide women with multiple services and resources to meet their individual needs after having been out of an abusive relationship for six months. To date, Self-Sufficiency Grants have been made to 43 African American, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic women for: day care, transportation costs to attend school, college course tuition and books, and housing and utility costs. More than 30 percent of those grant recipients have moved out of transitional living programs and are now living in their own apartments.

"We are very proud that we have reached the benchmark we set for ourselves when founding Web of Benefit, and are especially grateful to the Carlisle Foundation of Framingham, MA for its generous grant," said Johanna Crawford, Founder and Director of Resources. "Between Self-Sufficient Grants and our Client Service Programs, we had hoped to help at least 45 women our first year. Between grants and programs, we have surpassed our goal and changed the lives of 88 women. Our goal for next year is to give 60 grants and fund four more programs, empowering even more women in their pursuit of independence and long term economic self-sufficiency."

Since its founding in 2004, Web of Benefit also sponsored two different Client Service Programs, a self-esteem building program conducted by Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute, Inc., and a Rape Aggression Defense Program for residents who live in the following Transitional Living Programs in the Greater Boston area: Transition House in Cambridge, Elizabeth Stone House in Dorchester, and Casa Myrna Vazquez in Boston.

Web of Benefit's grants average between $750 and $1,000. Grants are awarded to applicants who have been out of an abusive relationship for six months, and who are able to define their needs, goals and dreams. All recipients of Web of Benefit Self Sufficiency Grants are required to become part of the Web of Benefit network by adhering to its "pay it forward" philosophy and completing three good works for other women in need.

Web of Benefit Receives $20,000 Grant from Carlisle Foundation

Grant To Provide Services And Resources To Aid Domestic Violence Survivors

BOSTON, MA, June 23, 2005 - Web of Benefit, Inc., a non-profit organization promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community, today announced that it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Carlisle Foundation in Framingham, MA. Through the commitment and generosity of Carlisle Services, Inc. and the Carlisle Foundation, combined grants of over $22 million have been made to multiple organizations since 1988.

Web of Benefit will use the $20,000 grant to provide Self-Sufficiency Grants to between 20-25 deserving women in the Greater Boston area. These grants provide women with multiple services and resources to meet their individual needs and unique goals.

"We are so grateful that the Carlisle Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting domestic violence survivors after they have left an abusive situation," said Johanna Crawford, Founder and Director of Resources for Web of Benefit. "This grant will go a long way to contributing to survivors pursuit of independence and long-term economic self-sufficiency."

Web of Benefit's Self-Sufficiency Grants average between $750 and $1,000. Grants are awarded to applicants who have been out of an abusive relationship for six months, and who are able to details their needs, goals and dreams. All recipients of Web of Benefit Self-Sufficiency Grants are required to become part of the Web of Benefit network by adhering to its "pay it forward" philosophy and completing three good works for other women in need.

New Non-Profit Organization Announces Self-Sufficiency Grants in Support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Grants Bridge the Financial Gap Between Temporary Shelters and
Long-term Support For Domestic Violence Survivors

BOSTON - May 19, 2005 - Web of Benefit, Inc., a new non-profit organization promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community, today announced that it has awarded five Self-Sufficiency Grants in support of domestic violence survivors.

All of the grants provide women with multiple services and resources to meet their individual needs after having been out of an abusive relationship for six months. As a private, non-profit organization, Web of Benefit can leverage philanthropic dollars to create a flexible plan for each individual and help fund implementation in a way that government cannot and has not. To date, Self-Sufficiency Grants have been made to five women for: day care, transportation costs to attend school, college course tuition and books, and housing and utility costs.

"It's important for survivors of domestic violence to have resources to support their pursuit of independence and long-term economic self-sufficiency," said Johanna Crawford, founder and director of resources for Web of Benefit. "Even a small financial contribution creates enormous potential for domestic abuse survivors to fulfill their dreams."

The need for transitional services for survivors is staggering. Last year, 4,000 women in Massachusetts fled abusive situations and sought safety at domestic violence shelters or safe homes. More than 40,000 restraining orders were issued, and every domestic violence hotline in the Commonwealth reported an increased number of emergency calls. Twenty-one women, men and children were victims of domestic violence homicides, almost a 50 percent increase from the previous year.

One Web of Benefit Self-Sufficiency Grant recipient currently lives on Department of Transitional Living funds. The $198 she receives twice a month, plus food stamps, must pay for her 17 month old daughter's food, clothing, and diapers, plus a small amount of rent, telephone and any personal needs. She just completed her GED and plans to go to Nursing School. The Self-Sufficiency Grant from Web of Benefit will help her to afford transportation to school, payment for a required math class, and daycare where she can feel confident that her daughter is safe.

"Web of Benefit's Self Sufficiency Grants will be life-changing for these women," said Ronit Barkai, director of Housing Programs for Transition House in Cambridge. "The grants will fill a gap to help women earn an appropriate living and not rely on the Department of Transitional Assistance payments. More importantly, the grants will allow women to regain their self-esteem and power."

The grants are the first to be awarded by Web of Benefit, which was incorporated in 2004 by women affected by domestic violence for women escaping domestic violence. Web of Benefit is the only local organization that awards Self-Sufficiency Grants to women once they are out of a temporary shelter, to help them remain violence free and become economically self-sufficient.

Web of Benefit is also sponsoring two different Client Service Programs, a self-esteem building program conducted by Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute, Inc., and a Rape Aggression Defense Program for residents who live in the following Transitional Living Programs in the Greater Boston area: Transition House in Cambridge, Elizabeth Stone House in Dorchester, and Casa Myrna Vazquez in Boston.

Web of Benefit's grants average between $750 and $1,000. Grants are awarded to applicants who have been out of an abusive relationship for six months, and who are able to details their needs and goals. All recipients of Web of Benefit Self Sufficiency Grants are required to become part of the Web of Benefit network by adhering to its "pay it forward" philosophy and completing three good works for other women in need.

Web of Benefit Receives Funding from Verizon Wireless
Hopeline® $1000 Grant Program

Wireless Service Provider Returns Cash to Communities Via
Cell Phone Recycling Program

Wellesley, MA - Web of Benefit, a non-profit organization promoting liberation from domestic violence through independence and community, has received a $1,000 grant from Verizon Wireless' $1,000 Grant Program, which makes funds available to not-for-profit organizations that work with domestic violence survivors, allowing each to apply for the $1,000 grant once per quarter, and as often as three times per year.

Funding for the program is a direct result of community members donating no-longer-used cell phones to HopeLine®, Verizon Wireless' national initiative which encourages consumers to recycle wireless products. In fact, cash grants awarded through HopeLine are the direct result of consumers donating their old cell phones.

Recycling through HopeLine provides an environmentally-friendly way of disposing no-longer-used wireless phones while providing a valuable communications tool for domestic violence survivors. Every Verizon Wireless communications store throughout the United States accepts old phones regardless of condition, manufacturer or carrier. Batteries and chargers are also accepted. Phones are refurbished and donated with 3.000 minutes of airtime to domestic violence shelters, agencies and law enforcement groups to be used by women in emergency situations. Phones that are beyond repair are sold for parts. These proceeds are turned into cash for the grant program.

Johanna Crawford, Executive Director, receiving Verizon Wireless HopeLine Grant from Michael Murphy, Public Relations Manager, July 24, 2006 at the Burlington, Massachusetts Verizon Wireless Store. The generous award will be used for Self-Sufficiency Grants for survivors of domestic violence to further their education and find permanent housing.

"We are so grateful to Verizon and its Verizon Wireless' $1,000 Grant Program for supporting survivors of domestic violence," said Johanna Crawford, Founder of Web of Benefit. "With these funds we can assist survivors achieve self-sufficiency once they leave transitional housing situations. It is invaluable for survivors to know that both the community and leading corporations like Verizon Wireless are there to help."

"The HopeLine Phone Recycling program is an easy way for people to support local domestic violence organizations which support domestic violence survivors," said Bob Stott, president of Verizon Wireless' New England Region. "Domestic violence does not discriminate. It's in our neighborhoods and workplaces, and we need to shed light on the magnitude of this social problem."

As a result of HopeLine and related phone recycling programs the company has organized since 2001, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 2.5 million used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence survivors and advocacy groups. Verizon Wireless employees also volunteer their time to present Invest in Yourself workshops to assist women in shelters as they transition back into the workforce and gain financial independence.

Any not-for-profit organization in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine that works in some capacity with domestic violence survivors may apply for a $1,000 grant. Grants are awarded to support direct client services, raise public awareness about domestic violence or train staff and volunteers.

To request guidelines, send email requests to Hopeline.NewEngland@
verizonwireless.com or call 781-932-1510 to have an application mailed.

About Web of Benefit
Web of Benefit was created in 2004 as a not-for-profit organization by women affected by domestic violence, for women escaping domestic violence, with the "soul" purpose of promoting liberation and personal independence of women in the Greater Boston area. For more information, please call 617-285-1900 or visit www.webofbenefit.org.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.


	P.O. Box 81925-Wellesley, MA-02481-(617)-285-1900