MINNEAPOLIS -- Verizon Wireless announced today a $25,000 donation to The Day One Center that will ensure the Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line continues through .

The Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line began answering toll-free calls in late , connecting 423 victims of domestic violence with The Day One Center shelters in its first year alone. A public service campaign funded by Verizon Wireless in led to an 87 percent increase in calls, serving more than 3,200 women during . An estimated 4,500 callers will use the crisis line in .

"In this time of funding challenges, we are especially appreciative of Verizon Wireless' dedication to helping victims of domestic violence," said Pat Prinzevalle, executive director of The Day One Center, a nonprofit organization that provides battered women and families immediate access to safety and services with one phone call.

"We are pleased to join Gov. Tim Pawlenty in recognizing the tremendous impact The Day One Center has had in Minnesota," said Viki L. Radden, president, Great Plains Region of Verizon Wireless. "We believe our contribution will help even more victims of domestic violence escape abusive situations." Of Verizon Wireless' $25,000 donation, $15,000 will finance the Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line's expenses for the next year with the remaining funds supporting The Day One Center's domestic violence awareness efforts, including cards, posters and brochures distributed throughout Minnesota.

The mission of The Day One Center is to provide access to safety for battered women and their children. The Day One Center established the Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line (1-), the only statewide toll-free number in Minnesota for survivors of domestic violence. The crisis line connects callers to the shelter nearest the caller's location. Currently, 27 domestic violence shelters are linked to share information concerning bed space availability and services by The Day One Center database. In addition, The Day One Center provides transportation services for victims of domestic violence in order to relocate to another community for safety. Find more information on the Web at www.dayonecenter.org .

The Day One Center Participating Shelters are:

Alexandra House, Inc., Blaine, MN

Anna Marie's (Central MN Task Force on Battered Women), St. Cloud, MN

Anne Pierce Rogers Home (Tubman Family Alliance), St. Paul, MN

Casa de Esperanza, St. Paul, MN

Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA), Mankato, MN

Cornerstone Advocacy Services, Bloomington, MN

Dabinoo'Igan, Duluth, MN

Eagle's Nest (Women of Nations), St. Paul, MN

Equay Wiigamig, Red Lake, MN

Harriet Tubman Shelter (Tubman Family Alliance), Minneapolis, MN

Hill Home (Tubman Family Alliance), Lake Elmo, MN

Home Free (Missions, Inc.), Plymouth, MN

House of Peace (Asian Women United), Minneapolis, MN

Lakes Crisis and Resource Center, Detroit Lakes, MN

Lewis House (Community Action Council), Eagan, MN

Lewis House (Community Action Council), Hastings, MN

Northwood's Coalition, Bemidji, MN

Safe Haven Shelter for Battered Women, Duluth, MN

Shelter House, Willmar, MN

Sojourner Project, Hopkins, MN

Someplace Safe, Fergus Falls, MN

The Women's Center, Red Wing, MN

Violence Intervention Project, Thief River Falls, MN

Women's Advocates, St. Paul, MN

Women's Center of Mid-Minnesota, Brainerd, MN

Women's Shelter, Inc., Rochester, MN

YWCA Emergency Shelter, Fargo, ND

Source: Verizon Wireless