Title
Proclamation recognizing and commending Mr. Jim Behers and Chief Christopher T. Kelly for their efforts to help domestic violence survivors and the seniors in Allegheny County through their Cell Phone Collection Program.
Body
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is blessed to have individuals, such as Mr. Jim Behers and Chief Christopher T. Kelly, that are dedicated to protecting and serving the community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Behers, a Port Authority employee, organized a Cell Phone Collection Program which helps support the fight against family violence and assists senior citizens by providing human service organizations with refurbished cellular phones; and
WHEREAS, once the donated wireless phones are collected, Mr. Kelly, Chief of the Borough of Baldwin Police Department, ensures that they are refurbished and forwards them to domestic violence shelter partners that provide education, prevention, and survivor support. Oftentimes, these cell phones become the lifeline for domestic violence survivors when faced with an emergency situation; and
WHEREAS, cell phones take away the fear of isolation and the threat of elder abuse for our senior citizens, and the Cell Phone Collection Program helps seniors stay safe and maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, since its inception, the Cell Phone Collection Program has received over 80 wireless phones through concentrated marketing and outreach efforts through the Port Authority's newsletter, the South Hills Record and by word of mouth;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council hereby recognizes and commends Mr. Jim Behers and Chief Christopher T. Kelly for their efforts to help domestic violence survivors and the seniors in Allegheny County through the Cell Phone Collection Program. This Council is grateful to them for helping the vulnerable feel empowered and for their commitment and dedication to the community.