Verizon partners with Encircle to build tech spaces for LGBTQ+ youth
10 June 2021 - 12:00AM
Verizon will partner with Encircle, a nonprofit that builds safe
spaces by creating homes across the country for LGBTQ+ youth, young
adults, and families to help find support and belonging, with the
goal to promote digital inclusion across the LGBTQ+ community.
Verizon has committed $1 million to partner with Encircle to
develop custom tech-inspired learning spaces within four new and
existing Encircle homes with emerging technology, including 5G
connectivity where available, to transform the way the youth
connect, learn, and create. Verizon will also supply devices across
all Encircle homes, including mobile hotspots, to support fully
remote and hybrid operations. Verizon will work with local partners
to deliver digital skills training and drive digital inclusion
within the Encircle community.
“We believe in the power of technology to transform people's
lives and help to build a more inclusive society,” said Rose
Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer,
Verizon. “We're excited to partner with Encircle to give LGBTQ+
youth and their families a safe place to receive resources that
will help advance their skills and promote our shared goal of
equitable economic opportunity.”
“We strive to give LGBTQ+ youth a positive and loving
environment that builds support within their communities where they
can realize their full potential,” said Stephanie Larsen, CEO of
Encircle. “This incredible support from Verizon makes our
nationwide expansion possible and will improve countless LGBTQ+
lives, reminding them that they are perfect, just as they are.”
Additionally, Verizon has pledged $250,000 to PFLAG National,
the nation’s first and largest organization for the parents,
families, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This brings Verizon’s
total support of the organization to $1 million, over the last four
years. The donation will focus on PFLAG National’s creation of a
virtual community and pathways to support communities of color
through national virtual support meetings. The donation will also
expand the organization’s support to parents, families, and allies,
with a strategic investment in staffing and technology.
“PFLAG National’s long-term partnership with Verizon has helped
thousands of LGBTQ+ people and their families connect to share
love,” said Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National.
“The pandemic proved to all of us how important connections on the
phone and online can be, and Verizon’s continued commitment will
help strengthen those connections through PFLAG Connects.”
Throughout Pride Month, Verizon will spotlight voices of the
LGBTQ+ community by amplifying their stories and share powerful
voices for change across social @Verizon on Twitter and
Instagram.
These initiatives are part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s
responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social
advancement. As part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon plans to exceed $3
billion in its responsible business investment from 2020-2025 to
continue helping vulnerable communities and bridge the digital
divide.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on
June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of
technology, communications, information and entertainment products
and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence
around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in
2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and
solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering
on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity,
security and control.
Encircle provides programs, mental health
services, support groups, and safe spaces to young LGBTQ+ people
and their families throughout the U.S Since its founding in 2017,
Encircle has served over 70,000 individuals and funded thousands of
family and youth therapy sessions, providing a lifeline to those
facing suicidality, isolation and depression, helping them build
local community and forge a path forward.
PFLAG National is the first and largest
organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer
(LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With more
than 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing
multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small
cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to
creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are
respected, valued, and affirmed. To learn more, visit pflag.org,
like us on Facebook (/pflag), or follow us on Twitter (@pflag) or
Instagram.
VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media
contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news.
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Media contact:Elizabeth
AngleyElizabeth.Angley@verizon.com
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