News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Anyone with an old cellphone could provide a critical resource to victims of domestic and sexual violence, by donating it.
Genesis House Program Manager Denise Dillon said it does not matter what kind of phone it is, because any cellphone can dial 911. Dillon said most Genesis House clients come in with no means of communication at all.
Dillon said one mother and child were able escape a dangerous situation at home with one of these donated phones.
“She had no way of communicating with the outside world and things got really, really bad one night,” Dillon said. “She got that phone out of hiding, she had it hidden in the house. She got that phone out of hiding and she just dialed 911 and laid the phone down, so that they could hear what was all going on. They got her out of there and she’s safe and he’s currently still in jail.”
Dillon said clients do not need to pay for service on these phones to dial 911 in an emergency. She said she recommends clearing personal info off the phone, but Genesis will double check that it’s clear before distributing.
“Any cellphone can dial 911 to get them help, no matter where they are,” Dillon said. “It can even be the old dinosaur phones that we carried in our cars, years and years ago.”
She said anyone who has a phone to donate can call Genesis House of The Upper Cumberland at 931-526-5197 to receive a drop off location. Drop off is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
