Nashville Predators and YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Celebrate 10 Years of IMPACTFUL Partnership Through AMEND Together
YWCA leadership - Sharon K. Roberson, President & CEO, Vanessa Helbig-Johnson, Shan Foster, John Morris, & AMEND Together students join Nashville Predators President & COO Michelle Kennedy for a check presentation at the March 6, 2025 game celebrating 10 years and $1 million in support of the innovative healthy masculinity initiative.
Nashville, TN (March 7, 2025) – The Nashville Predators Foundation and YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee proudly marked a decade of collaboration in advancing violence prevention through AMEND Together on Thursday, March 6, at the Bridgestone Arena. This groundbreaking initiative engages and educates young men and boys on the importance of respect, healthy masculinity, and ending violence against women and girls. Over the past ten years, the Nashville Predators Foundation has contributed $1 million to this critical program, creating a lasting impact in schools, communities, and beyond. Two hundred students, family members, and staff from YWCA’s AMEND Together and Girls Inc. programs were invited to celebrate this achievement as the Preds took on and defeated the Seattle Kraken at Thursday night’s game.
“AMEND Together is more than a program – it’s a movement,” said YWCA President and CEO Sharon Roberson. “With the support of the Nashville Predators, we have empowered thousands of young men to become advocates for change, shaping the next generation of leaders who understand that true strength lies in respect, responsibility, and integrity.”
A Decade of Impact
Since partnering with the Preds in 2015, AMEND Together (formerly MEND) has reached thousands of students, coaches, and community members. Through school-based clubs, leadership training, and public awareness campaigns, the initiative fosters meaningful discussions about healthy relationships, gender equity, and violence prevention. Key milestones include:
2015-2016: AMEND Together launches community forums and leadership training for coaches and mentors at Bridgestone Arena.
2017: The Nashville Predators Foundation solidifies its support with a multi-year financial investment pledge and amplifies public awareness through the “Unsilence the Violence” campaign. Predators players begin visiting AMEND Together clubs in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
2018-2019: The program expands to reach hundreds of students annually, with AMEND Together events at Bridgestone Arena and increased engagement in collegiate athletics.
2020: Despite the challenges of COVID-19, AMEND Together continues with virtual learning and expands nationally, launching affiliates in six states.
2021-2023: The initiative broadens to include elementary students, new national affiliates, and the launch of the AMEND Together Games at Bridgestone Arena and named partnership – AMEND Together – empowered by the Nashville Predators. YWCA leveraged the Preds’ support to secure federal funding through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), strengthening its reach and impact.
“Partnering with YWCA on AMEND Together has been one of the most meaningful commitments we’ve made through our foundation,” said Nashville Predators President Michelle Kennedy. “The values of respect, accountability, and leadership that AMEND Together instills through their program align perfectly with what we stand for as an organization. Seeing the impact of this program firsthand is truly inspiring; we are honored to have been in a partnership for the last decade and we look forward to continuing to make a meaningful difference in this important work.”
Transforming Lives and Communities
AMEND Together has served more than 3,000 students through clubs in local schools and trained thousands of community members, athletes, and coaches. The initiative has gained national recognition, expanded to multiple states, and fostered a generation of young men committed to preventing violence and promoting equality.
With continued support from the Nashville Predators and community partners, AMEND Together will further its mission to create a culture where all people—regardless of gender—are treated with dignity and respect. The next decade promises even greater outreach, impact, and change.
For more information on AMEND Together, https://www.ywcanashville.com/amend-together
About YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For over 125 years, YWCA has provided life-changing programs and services supporting women, children, and families.
About the Nashville Predators Foundation
The Nashville Predators Foundation is committed to serving Middle Tennessee through programs and partnerships that make a lasting impact on the community. The Foundation supports education, health and wellness, and youth sports initiatives, fostering positive change through its dedication to service.
Media Contact:
Michelle Mowery Johnson
Vice President Strategic Communications & Advocacy
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
michelle.moweryjohnson@ywcanashville.com | 615-983-5125
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