YWCA NASHVILLE & MIDDLE TENNESSEE ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH RING TO ENHANCE SURVIVOR SAFETY PLANNING

NASHVILLE, TN – September 19, 2022 - Today, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee announced a new initiative to provide home security tools to help keep victims of abuse safe. Ring, whose mission is to make neighborhoods safer, is donating up to 1,000 Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras to YWCA, the largest provider of domestic violence services in Tennessee. YWCA’s staff and advocates will share the devices with individuals and families along with a free Ring Protect Plan subscription for the life of each device as an additional component of safety planning.Ring will also provide a monetary contribution to advance YWCA’s impact for survivors across the Nashville and Middle Tennessee region. YWCA, one of the oldest nonprofits in middle Tennessee, operates the largest domestic violence shelter in the region so adults and children fleeing abuse can heal and work toward building safer, self-sufficient lives.“Our clients know they are safe inside the walls of YWCA’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center,” said YWCA President and CEO, Sharon K. Roberson. “However, when they leave our emergency shelter and move back into the community, there is a real fear their abuser may find and harm them or other family members. This donation will help provide not only peace of mind, but also a greater sense of safety and security. So many survivors do not have the means to purchase this technology, and we are truly grateful that this donation will meet our clients’ needs at no cost to them.”“YWCA offers life-saving and life-changing services to empower survivors while offering them safety and critical resources to help them rebuild their lives,” said Karla Torres, Head of Community Engagement at Ring. “We’re honored to support YWCA’s expert services and long-standing regional impact. We hope to contribute to survivors’ peace of mind and amplify YWCA’s mission to advance community safety and justice for all.”The YWCA and Ring collaboration launches at the 124-year-old nonprofit’s offices, as Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches. Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Nashville Mayor John Cooper were in attendance, along with representatives from YWCA partner agencies. These anti-violence and community agencies will also benefit from this collaboration. They can request Ring Security Cameras or Video Doorbells from YWCA who will provide the safety tools to the individuals and families they serve on a case-by-case basis.“Community safety is my number one priority and the YWCA is a key partner in Nashville’s efforts to keep women, children and families safe,” said Mayor John Cooper. “We know that for many survivors, the cost of a Ring device and the subscription could be a tremendous barrier. I’m honored to be here today to support the initiative  between Amazon’s Ring and the YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee – and the role both play keeping Nashville survivors safe.”About YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee: For 124 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. YWCA programs include Domestic Violence Services, Girls Inc., AMEND Together, Social Justice & Advocacy, Dress for Success, and the Family Learning Center.YWCA began providing domestic violence services to the Nashville and Middle Tennessee community more than four decades ago. The 65-bed Weaver Domestic Violence Center opened its doors in 2000. Last year, the emergency shelter provided over 13,200 nights of safety to 400 survivors fleeing abuse, and crisis counselors responded to more than 4,700 crisis calls and texts. YWCA also operates Abbie’s Safe Home, the largest pet shelter in Tennessee for the four-legged family members of domestic violence victim-survivors.  Visit  https://ywcanashville.com, follow us on twitter @YWCANashville, Instagram @YWCANashvile and find us on Facebook at facebook.com/YWCANashville.If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, call the 24-hour Crisis & Support Helpline – 800-334-4628 or 24-hour Textline 615-983-5170.