FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PTCI Partners with Foundation for Rural Service to Secure $5,000 Grant for Northwest Domestic Crisis Services

GUYMON, OK – October 27, 2025

– Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (PTCI), in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), the philanthropic arm of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, today announced a $5,000 grant award to Northwest Domestic Crisis Services (NWDCS) of Guymon, Oklahoma. The funding will be used to equip domestic violence victims with critical, covert technology designed to enhance safety and security, allowing them to quickly and discreetly reach emergency services during a crisis.

“For PTCI, this grant perfectly aligns with our core values of ‘putting people first’ and ‘doing the right thing.’ Our mission as a cooperative goes beyond mere connectivity; it also includes safeguarding our community. By securing this funding for Northwest Domestic Crisis Services, we are actively embracing innovation to help them deliver critical, life-saving support to our neighbors in the Panhandle who are facing domestic violence crises,” said Jana Wallace, PTCI CEO.

Vanessa Carrasco, NWDCS, receives a $5,000 check from Elizabeth Brown, PTCI. NWDCS is the recipient of a Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant.

The $5,000 award is specifically allocated to acquire technology that ensures domestic crisis victims have a reliable means of communication to access help, a crucial resource given the urgent and sensitive nature of their needs.

“This FRS grant, secured by our partners at PTCI, is truly life-changing,” said Matthew Crook, NWDCS Coordinator. “The technology we can now acquire means the difference between a victim being trapped and being able to signal for help without alerting their abuser. This grant directly strengthens our ability to provide immediate safety and security to those fleeing crisis situations across our service area.”

“Nexion Solutions was founded on the deep belief that technology must serve as a bridge to safety, empowering people in crisis with life-saving tools. Seeing our innovative devices deployed in rural communities through the dedication of partners like PTCI and the essential work of NWDCS is the ultimate fulfillment of that mission. We are proud to provide the tools that actively support the efforts to protect domestic violence survivors in rural Oklahoma,” said Liz Kohler, CEO of Nexion Solutions.

The grant to Northwest Domestic Crisis Services is part of the FRS 2025 Community Grants Program, which awarded over $145,000 to 31 rural-serving organizations nationwide. NTCA members, including PTCI, partnered with FRS in presenting every award, contributing 20% of the total grant amount. The program supports projects focused on public service, education, health, and business development.

“Every year, we are inspired by the creativity and dedication of our member companies and their community partners,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “The work each of these organizations does helps improve the lives of those in their communities. FRS is honored to partner with NTCA members to make these projects a reality and is grateful for our generous donors for making it possible.”