Any time we can team up with huge players like Verizon and the Indianapolis Colts is a special opportunity. And there’s no better time than October – Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All month long we have been collecting used cell phones for Verizon’s HopeLine. The collection will culminate on Sunday, October 25 before the Colts game.

Verizon refurbishes phones for DV victims and survivors and recycles the rest. Any proceeds become grant funds, which are distributed to programs like Coburn Place. Over the years, Verizon has donated more than $50,000 to support our program!

Dwayne Allen, tight end with the Indianapolis Colts, stopped by Coburn Place to do some promo work for the collection. He also made sure to save some time to hang out with the Coburn Place kids. He shot hoops with the older kids and did a craft with the little ones. We have to say, he has some serious glitter skills!

He’s such a nice guy, very down-to-earth and cares so much about giving back to the community. He shared these thoughts on a recent episode of his TV show, which featured his visit to Coburn Place, “The wonderful opportunity to play in the NFL comes with a great platform to serve others. This (Coburn Place) is a phenomenal facility. To have the opportunity to service them and help them is just an honor. What a great opportunity to go there and hang with those kids and be with those families who are obviously dealing with a difficult situation.” You’re an all-star in our book, Dwayne.

We are so grateful for the support of our wonderful community and media partners! Together, we are teaming up to help families break the cycle of domestic violence.

We saved a spot in the starting lineup for you. Here’s how you can help, too.

• Bring your old (even broken!) cell phones and accessories to Coburn Place, 604 E. 38^th Street, Indianapolis.
• Find a collection box near you.
• Bring your phones to the Colts vs. Saints game at Lucas Oil Stadium on 10/25/15, 11am-1pm.

Photos by Alan Petersime

HopeLine Media

The Dwayne Allen Show: Coburn Place is featured at the 16:44 mark.

CBS Story

Coburn Place coverage

Indianapolis Monthly Article: “Kid Stuff for Colts Nice Guy Dwayne Allen”

Indy Star Article: Indy nonprofit has heart for art and kids

NUVO article: “Phones for Survivors”

HopeLine Heros

Volunteer Spotlight: Lynn Davis

Volunteer Spotlight: Muhammad Mosque #74

Volunteer Spotlight: Will Turpin

Thanks to everyone who donated, spread the word and volunteered! Verizon and the Colts teamed up to support Coburn Place families with a $10,000 grant – THANK YOU!

Watch the video