Verizon has generously donated full funding for JWI’s newest children’s library at The Julian Center in Indianapolis.  Volunteers are unpacking boxes and setting up the furniture, and the library is set to be dedicated soon.

The Julian Center provides counseling, safe shelter, and education for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families. More than 500 children served by the shelter each year will benefit from the library.  The shelter has transformed an underutilized room originally designed as a homework space into the library and study and computer space.  The library will also be used six hours a week for group therapy meetings, allowing these discussions to take place in an inviting, nurturing environment.

The library at the Julian Center demonstrates Verizon’s ongoing support for the National Library Initiative (NLI) – JWI’s commitment to establish 100 children’s libraries in homeless and battered women’s shelters across the United States – in a partnership that began in 2005.  Verizon has previously helped JWI open libraries in Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, and Richmond, Va.

“Verizon Foundation has a longstanding history of supporting literacy and domestic violence initiatives,” said Lou Ann Novak, public relations director, Verizon. “We hope this library at The Julian Center feeds the children’s creativity and strengthens their desire to learn.” 

Verizon’s philanthropy focuses on two primary areas – education and literacy, and safety and health. The NLI addresses both priorities by bringing reading and literacy to children whose lives have been disrupted by abuse. In 2008, Verizon invested almost $5 million in the issue of domestic violence, along with technology solutions and volunteer hours.

“The Julian Center is thrilled with the prospect of having a children’s library as a place for our clients in the shelter to retreat from the chaos that so often characterizes their days,” said Betsy Whaley, shelter director.  “We hope that by having a quiet place to read and be together, mothers and their children will be able to begin the process of healing the damage wrought by domestic abuse. We know that this resource will be well received since many of the children we serve have been underexposed to books and reading, and are always excited to receive books at our monthly book fairs.”

JWI’s libraries contain hundreds of brand-new children’s books, bookcases, rocking chairs, a children’s table and chairs, and a large colorful carpet.  Help start a library in your area, contribute to an existing library, or find out about volunteer opportunities!