YWCA Teams Up with Nashville Predators to Help End Violence Against Women
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 15, 2019) – The Bridgestone Arena was ground zero for shining the spotlight on the crisis of domestic violence in Nashville and Middle Tennessee on Sunday, Feb. 10. More than 17,000 fans and spectators witnessed how extensive this crime is in our community, and across the U.S., through videos, public service announcements, ads throughout the arena, and a special presentation on the ice in blue. The game was dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the AMEND Together initiative, a program of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee with the goal of ending violence against women and girls by engaging and educating men and boys.Nashville Predators President and CEO Sean Henry has championed this YWCA initiative for several years, lending considerable team resources to educating the community and changing a culture that supports violence. The organization has undergone training during the season and made a $150,000 donation to the YWCA during Sunday’s nationally televised game.“How can we not be involved in this effort?” said Henry. “It's a problem in our community that needs to be addressed, and we are steadfast in our commitment to making Nashville the safest city in the nation for women and girls.”YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the region. More than 500 women and children spent 16,800 nights of safety at the Weaver Domestic Violence Center last year, with crisis counselors answering more than 7,500 calls for help.“Tennessee ranks 5th in the nation for the rate that men kill women, and one in four women will become a victim in her lifetime,” said YWCA President and CEO Sharon K. Roberson. “YWCA is dedicated to changing a culture that supports this violence, and we are proud to operate in a city where the business community embraces this message and supports our innovative efforts.”The AMEND Together program focuses on teaching healthy masculinity and respect in and out of the classroom. The prevention initiative works with more than 600 youth across 20 Metro Nashville Public middle and high schools. The number of AMEND clubs in MNPS has doubled from 2018 to 2019. Nearly 150 boys attended the game as guests of AMEND Together and the Nashville Predators. In addition to the youth curriculum, AMEND Together offers a faith-based curriculum, and community trainings.About Nashville Predators Foundation:The Nashville Predators recognize they play an important role in the community beyond what takes place on the ice. Established in 1998, the Predators Foundation strives to meet the educational, social, health and cultural needs of the community by offering unique resources and financial support to local youth-oriented organizations. Between grants and other charitable donations, the Foundation donated over $2.0 million in cash to community organizations during the 2017-18 season. To learn more about the Nashville Predators Foundation and see a list of upcoming events, visit www.nhl.com/predators/community/predators-foundationAbout YWCA Nashville & Middle TennesseeFor 120 years, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has helped women, girls, and families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee build safer, more self-sufficient lives. YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Programs include Domestic Violence Services, Girls Inc., AMEND Together, Dress for Success Nashville, and the Family Learning Center. For more information, visit www.ywcanashville.com, follow us on twitter @YWCANashville and find us on Facebook facebook.com/YWCANashville. ###