PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 2025
Minneapolis, MN – Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has established itself as a cornerstone in the fight against human trafficking and domestic abuse. The organization offers a free service to individuals, businesses, and agencies nationwide, enabling the secure recycling of electronic devices that are no longer needed or have been abandoned in lost-and-found departments or property-and-evidence rooms. By repurposing these devices, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has created a self-sustaining advocacy support program that requires no monetary donations to operate.
The 911 Cell Phone Bank ensures that all donated devices are properly data-erased before distributing them to law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy programs. These devices serve as critical, life-saving tools, empowering victims and survivors to escape dangerous situations, reconnect with loved ones, and access essential resources for recovery and rehabilitation.
This initiative provides a meaningful way to promote sustainability, reduce e-waste, and save lives simultaneously. The success of the 911 Cell Phone Bank depends on the generosity of its supporters who donate devices and the dedication of the agencies that distribute them. Together, they exemplify how community collaboration makes a significant impact in combating abuse and exploitation.
Marking two decades of service to the community, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has decided to honor the contributions of one Support Organization and one Participating Agency each month in 2025. This initiative not only provides well-deserved recognition to the partners who make the program possible but also highlights the program’s far-reaching influence and substantial impact on the communities it serves. By showcasing these partnerships, the 911 Cell Phone Bank underscores the power of collective efforts in building safer, more resilient communities and inspires continued support for its vital mission.
In February, the 911 Cell Phone Bank is proud to spotlight Metro Minneapolis and the Tubman Agency for their exceptional collaboration and commitment to empowering victims and survivors.
Metro Minneapolis: Partnering for Community SafetySince 2016, Metro Minneapolis has donated unclaimed devices from its transit system’s lost-and-found to support victims of abuse and human trafficking. As a Transportation Authority, Metro Minneapolis plays a crucial role in detecting and reporting potential cases of abuse, reinforcing its commitment to community safety and resilience.
“The unwavering support from partners like Metro Minneapolis has been crucial in our efforts to deliver life-saving benefits to those in need,” said James Mosieur, Director of the 911 Cell Phone Bank. “Their contributions have helped 911 Cell Phone Bank empower over 250,000 victims in the past 20 years.”
Businesses and organizations with lost-and-found departments are encouraged to follow Metro Minneapolis’s lead by recycling unclaimed devices through the 911 Cell Phone Bank. To register or learn more, call 866-290-7864.
Tubman Agency: A Legacy of Hope and FreedomFor over 48 years, the Tubman Agency has been a beacon of hope for individuals escaping abusive situations. As 911 Cell Phone Bank’s first-ever partner, Tubman helped establish the protocols for distributing communication devices to those in need. In 2024 alone, Tubman served over 18,400 individuals, helping them find safety, hope, and healing.
The agency uses 911 Cell Phone Bank-provided phones to empower clients to escape abusive relationships, secure employment, and access vital resources. Tubman also ensures children escaping abuse have the tools needed for education, providing laptops and tablets to help them succeed.
“Victims experience more freedom and safety, knowing they have a 911 cell phone,” said Caitlin Scaife, Operations Manager for Tubman.
Sharing Stories of Resilience
Throughout the year, 911 Cell Phone Bank will feature inspiring survival stories from individuals who have benefited from these partnerships. The narratives, showcased on the organization’s website and social media platforms, underscore the power of community collaboration.
For more information about 911 Cell Phone Bank’s partnerships and stories of resilience, visit www.911CellPhoneBank.org. Together, Metro Minneapolis and Tubman exemplify how collective efforts can create safer, stronger communities.
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).