OLD CELL PHONES TO BE PUT TO GOOD USE AT
TANYA BROWN'S APPEARANCE IN EMMETSBURG

In these days of constantly changing technology, most folks have more than one of them stored in their basement or closet: an old cell phone.

And organizers of the April 26 appearance of Tanya Brown on Domestic Violence Prevention are planning to help area residents put those old cell phones to good use.

Through an arrangement with the Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA), old cell phones and cell phone batteries will be collected at the speech that evening to benefit others.  Dubbed 'Contributing Emergency Life Lines' (CELL), some of the phones will be
given to individuals who need a 9-1-1 phone for emergency calls.

"When a victim of domestic violence is in the process of leaving a volatile relationship, his or her danger level increases tremendously," said Rhonda Dean, Development Coordinator of CAASA.  "Having a life line to help is imperative."

The other phones will be sent to Shelter Alliance for reuse or recycling.  In exchange for the phones, CAASA will receive a cash payment.  That money will be used to provide services to victims and their children, according to Dean.

Phones will be collected at the Tanya Brown appearance at 7 p.m. on April 26 at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg.  Her appearance is organized and sponsored by the Child Care Club of Iowa Lakes.  There will also be a 2 p.m. speech by Tanya Brown which will be
geared toward students.  The public is invited to attend either session.

Tanya is the youngest sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson. Tanya is co-founder of The Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation which was established after Nicole's murder. 

There is no charge to attend the speech.

Tanya Brown is certified as a Domestic Violence Counselor, Court Advocate and Life & Relationship Coach.  She has focused her life on educating others on domestic violence prevention and how to build healthy relationships.

A committee of nearly 20 people is working on the Tanya Brown appearance, led by the Child Care Club.  Shayla Thompson chairs the committee.  She recently traveled to California to see relatives and meet with Tanya Brown.

"After having met Tanya, I can assure everyone that this will be an unforgettable presentation," said Thompson.