PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nashville, TN – As Tennessee continues its fight against human trafficking and domestic abuse, local organizations are coming together to make a difference. Recent reports of five human trafficking arrests in Antioch have shed light on the urgency of addressing these crimes in our communities. The Metro Office of Family Safety Nashville and the 911 Cell Phone Bank are working collaboratively to connect victims with resources, raise awareness, and create a safer environment for all.
Metro Office of Family Safety Center: A Beacon of Hope
The Family Safety Center of Nashville serves as a lifeline for individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse. Offering a variety of free and confidential services, the Family Safety Center provides safety planning, counseling, crisis intervention, and connections to critical resources—all under one roof.
“The Family Safety Center’s mission is to increase victim safety and offender accountability,” said Courtney Muller, Director of Outreach and Community Engagement. “Collaborating with organizations like the 911 Cell Phone Bank allows us to expand our reach and provide even greater support to survivors in Nashville.”
911 Cell Phone Bank: Saving Lives Through Connectivity
For victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, a simple phone can be the difference between escape and entrapment. Over the past two decades, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has provided over 250,000 emergency communication devices to victims, offering them a lifeline to safety, advocacy, and support networks.
“Our mission is to save lives and protect the planet,” said Susan Shipp, Public Relations Coordinator with 911 Cell Phone Bank. “With every phone donated, we are empowering victims to take steps toward safety and independence while diverting electronic waste from landfills.”
How the Community Can Help
Nashville residents and businesses can make an impact by donating phones to the 911 Cell Phone Bank. These phones are securely wiped and repurposed to assist survivors in their transition to safety.
Hotels, theme parks, concert venues, and theaters – Clear out lost-and-found rooms and turn unclaimed phones into lifesaving tools while releasing yourself from the potential liability of personal information falling into the wrong hands. Businesses with fleet phones – Donate outdated corporate devices instead of discarding them and give survivors a second chance while gaining a tax deduction for your company. Individuals & organizations – Host a phone drive to collect devices and make an even bigger impact or simply sned in your phone instead of trading itin when you upgrade.
Take Action Today
If you see signs of human trafficking or abuse, please report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or call 911 immediately.
For more information about these organizations and how you can contribute, visit: Family Safety Center: ofs.nashville.gov 911 Cell Phone Bank: 911cellphonebank.org or call 866-290-7864.
Together, we can create a safer, stronger Nashville—one connection at a time.
Media Contact: Susan Shipp: 352-657-1922 | sshipp@911cellphonebank.org
911 Cell Phone Bank
2750 E Silver Springs Blvd
Ocala, FL 34470
© 2014-2025 The Charitable Recycling Foundation
The 911 Cell Phone Bank is an initiative of the Charitable Recycling Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID 20-5050475).