For Immediate Release

PeaceWorks and 911 Cell Phone Bank Partnership Leads to Life-Changing Success Story 

Conifer, CO – [March 1, 2025] – PeaceWorks, a dedicated advocacy program committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence, is celebrating a true success story made possible through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank. 

Brenda Nelson of PeaceWorks recounts a particularly moving case in which a single mother, who had endured years of domestic violence, was able to escape her abuser thanks to a donated phone. Her abuser had hacked into all her electronic devices, gaining access to her social media, email, and other accounts, making it nearly impossible for her to seek help without being tracked. When PeaceWorks provided her with a secure phone from the 911 Cell Phone Bank, she and her children were finally able to escape their dangerous situation. 

With nowhere to go, the family found refuge in the Peaceworks shelter, becoming its longest-term residents as they worked toward rebuilding their lives. Over the course of four months, the mother used the phone to schedule critical appointments, secure employment, and, ultimately, find safe housing for herself and her children. This week, she is finally able to step into a new chapter of independence—a victory not only for her family but for the entire PeaceWorks program. 

“This is exactly why we do what we do,” said Brenda Nelson of PeaceWorks. “To witness firsthand the impact of a single phone—how it empowered this mother to escape, rebuild, and regain independence—reinforces just how crucial our partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank is. This success story wouldn’t have been possible without them.” 

The 911 Cell Phone Bank is a nonprofit organization that repurposes unclaimed devices found in lost and found departments or property rooms. Each phone undergoes a thorough data-clearing process before being refurbished and distributed to law enforcement agencies and advocacy programs nationwide. By doing so, the organization not only provides a vital resource to those in crisis but also helps companies avoid liability concerns associated with improper electronic disposal while promoting environmentally responsible recycling practices. 

Just a short drive from PeaceWorks, both the the Park County Sheriff’s Department and the Eagle County Sheriff’s Department partner with the 911 Cell Phone Bank as donors and recipients of the 911 Cell Phone Bank program, helping to provide critical communication tools to survivors in need.  

“We are very happy to be partnered with the 911 Cell Phone Bank,” explains Mary Pat Bowen of the Park County Sheriff’s Office Victims Services Program, “The program has helped us out immensely and we want to do anything we can to support it.” 

The 911 Cell Phone Bank relies on contributions from various organizations, including sheriff’s departments, hotels, casinos, theme parks, fleet services, and more. These devices with service are provided free of charge to advocacy programs and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they reach the individuals who need them most at their most vulnerable moments. 

Success stories like this highlight the importance of continued support for the 911 Cell Phone Bank. PeaceWorks urges other organizations to participate in this life-saving program, which operates in full compliance with state and national regulations, to help even more survivors find safety and independence. 

For more information on how to support the 911 Cell Phone Bank, or to contribute devices to the program, please visit www.911CellPhoneBank.org or contact 866-290-7864.  

For Media Inquiries, Contact: 

Susan Shipp
Public Relations Coordinator 
911 Cell Phone Bank 
2750 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ste 300 
Ocala, FL 34470 
352.657.1922 
sshipp@911cellphonebank.org 

Click to print a free shipping label to donate your devices to help victims of trafficking and domestic violence.