Old cell phones are wanted to help victims of abuse

The YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (DVIPP) is collecting used cell phones, which can be refurbished and programmed to dial only 9-1-1. The phones are given to individuals affected by harassment, stalking, or domestic violence for quick access to police protection.

Some phones that are collected may not be appropriate for the 9-1-1 system. Those phones are sent to a company that pays nonprofits for used cell phones. All money collected from cell phone donations goes to the YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program.

DVIPP distributes about 100 phones per year to victims of abuse.

DVIPP operates a 24-hour shelter and hotline, assists with paperwork for filing protective orders, conducts support groups and a parenting program, provides case management, makes referrals for housing and other resources, offers legal advocacy, gives presentations at schools and to groups, and has Spanish-speaking staff available. DVIPP serves Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White counties.

To donate a cell phone, drop it off at the YWCA, 605 N. 6th Street, Lafayette, during regular business hours. The YWCA is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, call 765-423-4486.