Ravenswood Community Council is being awarded a 2003 Community Development Block Grant by the Chicago Department on Aging to continue and to expand its innovative CELLphones (Community Emergency Life Line phones) program. The $15,000 grant will help support the distribution of up to 200 emergency-only cellular telephones to seniors who receive services from the Northeast (Levy) Senior Citizen Center at Damen and Lawrence avenues or who live in CHA or private senior housing developments in the northeast area of Chicago. Seniors’ valid fears of living alone or traveling alone can be relieved and their quality of life improved if they have the ability to reach emergency assistance when not near a standard telephone.
Through its CELLphones program, RCC collects used cellular phones as donations, refurbishes them and gives them away free to local seniors, school crossing guards, parent patrol members, the disabled, crime or domestic violence victims, low income residents who have no phone service or others who feel the need to be able to call 911 for their own personal safety or security. There is no need for the phones to be activated with a cellular service provider since federal law requires that all cellular phones must be able to reach 911 without cost and without activation.
Some of RCC’s key partners for phone donations are Advocate Lutheran General Hospital’s Women’s Health Resource Center, Ald. Gene Schulter (47th), and Yellow Cab. Many other individuals, groups and businesses have also participated. RCC welcomes donations of phones (new or used) and phone equipment (batteries, chargers, cases, etc.). Financial contributions to help defray the cost of phone refurbishment and distribution are especially needed. More than 500 used phones are currently on hand awaiting funds for refurbishment. Program sponsorship recognition is available for substantial donors. Contact RCC by phone at (773) 583-1600 or email ravenswood@megsinet.net. |
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