Tag: #Violence

One text. One phone call. One simple question: “How are you really doing?” This Suicide Prevention Month, we’re focusing on the power of checking in and staying connected. Small acts of care can remind someone they are seen, heard, and valued, and sometimes an ordinary moment of connection can mean more than we realize.

Behind every great hotel stay is a team of dedicated professionals whose work often goes unseen. This National Hotel Employee Day, we’re celebrating the front desk associates, housekeepers, engineers, security teams, and lost and found staff who create exceptional guest experiences every day. We also recognize the important role they play in protecting guest privacy through the responsible handling of unclaimed electronic devices.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and strengthen support for those impacted by crime. Learn how communities can make a difference and how even small actions can help victims rebuild and reconnect.

Earth Month is a reminder that small, everyday choices can have a lasting impact. From reducing waste to responsibly handling unused electronics, learn how simple actions can help protect our environment and support communities at the same time.

Transit lost-and-found departments often accumulate unclaimed devices that can pose security and environmental risks. Many agencies are partnering with 911 Cell Phone Bank to securely erase and reassign these electronics, turning them into lifelines for survivors of human trafficking. Learn how this partnership strengthens safety and sustainability.

December is National Giving Month and Giving Tuesday is on December 2nd. At 911 Cell Phone Bank, this month reminds us how something as simple as a donated unused cell phone can become a lifeline for someone in crisis. Throughout the month, we’re inviting individuals and organizations to join us in turning unused devices into tools of safety, connection, and hope.

Each year, millions of Americans recycle bottles and cans, but the fastest-growing waste stream is often forgotten: electronic waste. This America Recycles Day, you can make your recycling count for more than the environment. Donating your unused devices to the 911 Cell Phone Bank transforms e-waste into lifelines for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. One phone can mean safety, connection, and a second chance at life.

When survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking receive a phone free from their abuser’s control, they are given more than a device — they are given safety, dignity, and the chance to begin again. This National Gratitude Month, we reflect on the stories of courage, hope, and new beginnings made possible by your donations to the 911 Cell Phone Bank. Every phone given is more than a gift — it’s a lifeline that changes lives.

When a group of donated phones reach a safe house for human trafficking survivors, they become more than devices—they become lifelines, offering connection, hope, and a path to healing.

The AGA has helped transform what was once considered “lost and found liability” into a nationwide movement of compassion and responsibility — securely repurposing unclaimed devices into tools that protect, empower, and save lives. Read the full story to see how this remarkable partnership is redefining corporate responsibility in the gaming industry.

Sustainability is top of mind for today’s travelers. More than 80% say it influences their hotel choice. One often-overlooked area where hotels can advance sustainability while reducing risk is in how they manage unclaimed items in lost and found, especially electronic devices…

National CleanUp Month isn’t just about clearing trash from parks and sidewalks. It’s also a reminder to look inside—at the closets, drawers, and lost-and-found rooms overflowing with unused electronics. These forgotten devices aren’t just clutter; when properly donated, they can keep harmful waste out of landfills and even become lifelines for victims in crisis.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to remember that every life has value and that connection can save lives. In 2023, more than 49,000 Americans died by suicide—one every 11 minutes. But suicide is preventable. By learning the warning signs, listening with compassion, and sharing resources, we can help bring hope to those who feel hopeless.

National Nonprofit Day—a moment to recognize and uplift the organizations working tirelessly to improve lives, strengthen communities, and address pressing social issues. Learn how you can be involved.

Acts of violence and abuse rarely occur without witnesses. Bystander intervention has the power to change outcomes and save lives. From interrupting a harmful conversation to calling in support, small actions by engaged individuals can build safer communities.

What happens when a guest leaves their phone behind at a casino? At Cherokee Nation Entertainment, that moment becomes an opportunity to make a difference. Through its partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, Cherokee Nation ensures unclaimed devices are securely repurposed to support victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. It’s a powerful example of how businesses can turn everyday situations into meaningful acts of community care.

Women and girls account for 65% of identified trafficking victims, with children comprising nearly one-third of all cases. Traffickers frequently target refugees, migrants, and displaced individuals, preying on those with limited access to support or safety. The 911 Cell Phone Bank reaffirms its mission to provide secure phones to survivors and the advocates who protect them. Since 2004, over 250,000 devices have been distributed—each one a critical tool for escaping danger and reclaiming freedom.

Globally, millions of cellphones and other electronic devices are discarded each year, contributing to the plastic and e-waste crisis. Since 2004, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has kept millions of pounds of plastic out of landfills. Learn how your unused/unclaimed devices can help save lives.

What happens to the phones left behind in hotels, airports, or public venues? At 911 Cell Phone Bank, they’re transformed into lifelines for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Our latest press release shares how we’re working with organizations nationwide to turn forgotten tech into frontline support.

Hotels across Florida are finding themselves in a legal and logistical dilemma when it comes to handling unclaimed items left behind by guests. Thanks to Florida Statute 705.185, which outlines strict requirements for disposing of lost and abandoned property, hotel operators must now navigate a maze of compliance, liability, and ethical responsibility.

This World Environment Day, the 911 Cell Phone Bank is taking action to help Beat Plastic Pollution by turning discarded electronics into tools for good. By recycling and repurposing unused devices, we’re reducing plastic waste, protecting the environment, and supporting survivors of abuse—one electronic device at a time.

Elder abuse affects one in ten older adults in the U.S., yet only 1 in 24 cases are reported. The 911 Cell Phone Bank is helping to combat elder abuse by providing secure, free phones to victims in need. These devices serve as vital lifelines, empowering older adults to seek help and stay connected to advocacy and law enforcement resources.

This World Ocean Day, we’re highlighting how unclaimed devices can be a force for good. Improper e-waste disposal harms marine ecosystems, but there’s a better way. Learn how the 911 Cell Phone Bank helps organizations recycle responsibly—supporting both the planet and survivors of abuse.

From lost phones to life-saving tools—Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos are making every device count. Through their partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, unclaimed electronics from their lost & found are securely wiped and repurposed to support survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

PENN exemplifies leadership in corporate responsibility by implementing a sustainable solution for electronic devices found in their casinos.

Youth violence affects countless families and communities, with over 700,000 young people treated for assault-related injuries each year. During National Youth Violence Prevention Week, the 911 Cell Phone Bank is taking action by providing at-risk youth with secure communication tools.

Despite decades of progress, many survivors face significant barriers to accessing services that protect their rights, offer safety, and foster healing. 911 Cell Phone Bank supports advocacy programs by providing donated cell phones to victims and survivors.

In a partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Broward County Transit System, and our newest partnership in the area, Women in Distress advocacy program, demonstrate how a community can come together to offer a vital resource for victims and survivors, thus combating the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence efficiently.

The 2025 Earth Month theme focuses on accelerating the shift to clean energy, reducing pollution, and addressing the environmental and social injustices caused by reliance on fossil fuels. But sustainability isn’t just about energy—it’s also about responsible consumption and waste reduction.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is a time to support survivors, raise awareness about sexual violence, and identify strategies to prevent such crimes. The 911 Cell Phone Bank, in partnership with law enforcement agencies and advocacy programs, is addressing this critical issue by providing victims with “clean” cell phones—devices free from tracking or monitoring that can serve as lifelines for escape and independence.

“Reducing e-waste is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a social responsibility. By recycling phones, we’re not only protecting the planet but also providing vital tools to help vulnerable individuals.”

Maria found herself trapped. Jake took her identification and money, forcing her into sex work under threats of violence. He monitored her every move—checking her call logs, tracking her location, and even reading her messages through spyware installed on her phone. If she tried to contact anyone for help, he would know immediately.

This International Women’s Day, we’re calling on businesses, organizations, and individuals to Accelerate Action in the fight against gender-based violence. Did you know 1 in 4 women experience physical violence by an intimate partner? Survivors need safe ways to connect to help—and a simple phone can be a lifeline. Learn how you can help.

For survivors of domestic violence, leaving an abusive situation often means walking away from everything—including access to help. This month, we’re sharing Jasmine and Olivia’s powerful stories of survival and how a simple phone gave them the lifeline they needed to rebuild. Read their inspiring journeys and see how your old phone could help someone take their first steps to safety.

The 911 Cell Phone Bank stands united with advocates worldwide to bring awareness to modern-day slavery and human trafficking. It is crucial to recognize that millions of individuals around the world remain deprived of the freedom to experience love in its truest form, often due to the horrors of slavery they endure.

At the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we know that something as simple as a phone can be a lifeline. Every device donated through our program has the potential to make a life-changing difference for someone in need. Recently, we received a powerful testimonial that highlights just how impactful our mission truly is.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the alarming reality that 1 in 3 teens experience some form of dating abuse. At 911 Cell Phone Bank, we believe that access to safe communication can be life-changing for victims. By donating unclaimed or unused phones, businesses and organizations can help provide a vital connection to safety and support. Join us in making a difference this month—because every device donated could be a lifeline.

As New Orleans gears up for Super Bowl LIX, officials and advocacy groups are taking steps to combat the heightened risks of exploitation that come with major events. The 911 Cell Phone Bank, alongside partners like Louis Armstrong International Airport and the New Orleans Police Department, is ensuring that victims of human trafficking have access to life-saving communication tools. Learn how the city is stepping up efforts to protect the vulnerable.