Blue Jay Wireless Expands to Southern Oklahoma, Works to Serve Community through Charitable Groups
Carrollton, Texas (PRWEB) November 01, 2015 -- Blue Jay Wireless is bringing the Lifeline program's affordable phone service to the rural communities of southern Oklahoma, where residents previously had to travel 45 minutes to find a cell phone company store.
A.J. Tigarian, Blue Jay's Regional Manager in southern Oklahoma, said residents are excited to have a cell phone company with a consistent presence in the region and the program is expanding quickly.
"Since we opened this area in early October, we have been reaching out to people who may qualify for the Lifeline program," Tigarian said. "The response from the community has been great."
The Lifeline program, which began in 1985 during the Reagan administration, is a federal program that offers discounted monthly phone service to low-income individuals, helping to ensure that all Americans have access to basic phone service so they can find employment and stay in touch with doctors, schools and family members.
Tigarian, who worked in social services before joining Blue Jay, said that he and some members of his sales staff can empathize with their customers because they have experienced financial challenges themselves.
"I was raised by a single mother for the first nine years of my life," Tigarian said. "I grew up in low-income apartments. My mom worked two jobs, trying to make ends meet, and I used to walk three miles to get groceries for the family while she was at work. If my mother had had access to something like the Lifeline program, maybe it would have made a difference."
Tigarian grew up in the Oklahoma community he now serves and he's using his background in social services to help develop partnerships with local charitable groups in order to find residents in need of phone service. One of those groups is The Grace Center, a non-profit agency that works to end homelessness by providing resources that help people get back on their feet and find employment.
Lesley Dvorak, Executive Director at The Grace Center, said it's been helpful to be able to refer clients to Blue Jay for affordable phone service.
"Cell phone service can be very expensive,” states Dvorak. “But, it's hugely important because it's very difficult to apply for work if you don't have a phone. Having an affordable phone can help break the cycle of homelessness."
The Blue Jay team is also working to support the community by volunteering to gather donations for the annual "It's From the Heart" silent auction fundraiser. The fundraiser provides people in need with household goods, Tigarian said.
Supporting these charitable efforts has also helped the Blue Jay team develop a strong bond amongst themselves.'
"Our group really has become a family," states Tigarian. "If any one of us needs something, we all come together to help. At the end of the day, the overall response I hear from the team is, 'I love this job,' and that makes me feel great."
Blue Jay Wireless, LLC, is an eligible telecommunications carrier providing service through the Lifeline program, a government assistance program. Eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Blue Jay Wireless is driven by its mission to connect disadvantaged citizens with employers, family and friends so no one is left behind.
For information: http://www.bluejaywireless.com or
Contact: bstreauslin(at)bluejaywireless.com
Phone: 972-788-8807
David Wareikis, Blue Jay Wireless, LLC, http://www.bluejaywireless.com, +1 9727888801, [email protected]
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