'UHopeLine' Recycling Cellphones to Fight Domestic Violence

November 20, 2009

Helping to set up the "UHopeLine" bin in the Student Life Center were, from left, Lehman Vice President for Student Affairs Jose Magdaleno, Ruth Villalonga, communications and outreach manager for the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence, Idoko Idachaba, manager of a local Verizon Wireless store, and Lehman Campus Life Director Michael Sullivan.

The City University of New York has teamed up with Verizon Wireless to launch New York State's first "UhopeLine" program, a wireless phone recycling program that aims to combat domestic violence while helping to clean up the environment. Lehman is one of eight CUNY campuses serving as a permanent collection point. Lehman's drop-off site is located in the Student Life Building.

UHopeLine accepts wireless devices and accessories in any condition, from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes or recycles them in an environmentally sound fashion. Proceeds of the UHopeLine program benefit local domestic violence survivors in the form of wireless phones with service, as well as cash grants to advocacy groups working to end domestic violence.

In recognition of each college's commitment to women's issues, Verizon Wireless will make a $1,000 donation to women's education and safety programs on each campus.

For more information, call the Campus Life Office at 718-960-8535.