The Verizon Foundation and the NFL Players Association Team Up to Provide Domestic Violence Prevention Information to Teenagers

The Verizon Foundation and the NFL Players Association intend to team up to provide domestic violence prevention training and information to teenagers taking part in the association's Training Camp for Life program.

As part of the planned partnership, the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, will provide experts in domestic violence prevention and healthy relationships to talk with the teenagers. Training Camp for Life is a character and life skills development program designed to provide resources to assist students dealing with challenges and also help them build a strong sense of self.

"If we're going to solve the epidemic of domestic violence, we need more men to take an active role," said Verizon Foundation President Rose Stuckey Kirk. "This partnership with the NFL Players Association and its emphasis on teen development is a natural way to engage men and boys to help break the cycle of violence. We are proud and excited to team with the NFL Players Association on this unique initiative."

George Atallah, NFL Players Association assistant executive director, external relations, said, "At the NFL Players Association, we are concerned not only about the well-being of our members but also about teen athletes and their development on and off the field.  We are glad to partner with Verizon to bring this valuable training to our program and be part of the solution to end domestic violence."

The Verizon Foundation uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered nearly 6 million hours  of community service since 2000. For more information on the Verizon Foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

The NFL Players Association is the exclusive collective bargaining agent for all players employed by clubs of the National Football League. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA works to ensure that the rights and interests of NFL players are protected. In addition, the NFLPA strives to be a valuable resource and to maximize player opportunities on and off the field through membership programs and community activities. For further information, visit www.nflplayers.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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