A.J. Green Joins Verizon HopeLine to Present $70,000 Donation to Ohio Men’s Action Network

Experts agree that in order to end domestic violence, prevention-focused programs are needed to educate youth about healthy relationships. Men in particular play a critical role in helping to model healthy masculinity to young boys in order to create a culture where abuse and violence of any kind is not tolerated.

For this reason, the Ohio Domestic Violence Network formed the Ohio Men’s Action Network (OH-MAN) to engage boys and men throughout Ohio to become part of the solution to end domestic violence. The organization’s goal is to implement programming that will foster dialogue about intimate partner violence. OH-MAN will also create a call to action that will lead men to actively contribute to creating a culture of respect toward women and others who are victims of violence.

The official check presentation included (L-R): Andy Brady, Retail Director, Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless; Aaron Eckhardt, co-chair OH-MAN; A.J. Green; Nancy Neylon, executive director, Ohio Domestic Violence Network; Mark Frazier, president – Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Verizon was joined by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green to present a $70,000 grant to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network in support of OH-MAN. The grant included a donation of $50,000 contributed by HopeLine from Verizon and an additional $20,000 from the Verizon Foundation.

“The donation from Verizon and HopeLine means a great deal to our organization,” said Nancy Neylon, executive director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. “With the donation, we will be able to take our network to a whole new level in the state of Ohio and we’ll be able to get more men engaged in the organization.”

Following the presentation, A.J. Green and Fred Cranford, head coach of Loveland High School’s varsity football team in Loveland, OH, joined Mark Frazier, president of the Verizon Wireless Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region and Andy Brady, director of retail sales for Verizon Wireless, in signing the OHMan Pledge to pledge their commitment to speaking out against domestic violence and playing an active role to end violence against women.

Mark Frazier, President - Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless, signs the OH-MAN pledge.

Domestic violence isn’t just a problem between two intimate partners – it’s a cycle of violence that spills over into the lives of more than 10 million children each year who witness that violence. As a widespread societal plague, domestic violence touches millions each day and claims the lives of as many as three women per day in the United States. Every man and woman plays a role in stopping the cycle of violence. Men have the ability to use their voice to express their disapproval of violence and teach friends and others about nonviolence and respectful relationships.

You can be part of the solution. Sign the OHMan Pledge and find out how you can join the fight against domestic violence.

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