In addition to contributions from individual donors, the Crisis Center depends on the financial support of Crisis Center Corporate Partners.  These businesses make a financial commitment to the Crisis Center and in return receive opportunities to collaborate with the Crisis Center for the benefit of the community. Corporate Partner benefits include increased visibility in the Tampa Bay area and access to employee enrichment programs and trainings.

The Verizon Foundation has supported the Crisis Center for multiple years, but a specific need was identified in 2014 where Verizon's support would be of strategic importance.

Across the country there is a growing movement that encourages boys and men to end violence and work towards healthy relationships. The Crisis Center has been at the forefront of encouraging men to collaborate with women in partnership for gender equality, while addressing the negative consequences of unequal power relationships.

Through Verizon Foundation funding, the Crisis Center is launching Engaging Men Against Violence. This campaign recruits and trains men to serve as ambassadors of non-violence and to act as mentors to other men and boys. The grant allows for six months of grassroots mobilizing with a goal of securing future funding sources to add a full-time staff position in the Training and Outreach Department.  Ben Atherton-Zeman, a world renowned advocate and educator in violence prevention is working with the Crisis Center to launch the campaign.

Mariano Legaz, Florida region president of Verizon Wireless, discussed Verizon's support of the Crisis Center: "The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides creative, caring and critical services directly to the people - our employees, friends and neighbors - who need them most. It's a privilege for Verizon to be able to provide such an important community asset with resources and support."

The Crisis Center would like to express deep appreciation to the Verizon Foundation and all Crisis Center Corporate Partners! If you're with a company that might be interested in becoming a Crisis Center Corporate Partner, contact Ken Gibson at 813-969-4989 or at kgibson@crisiscenter.com for more information. You can also learn more about the Crisis Center by attending a Hope Starts with Us Tour. Click HERE for more information and upcoming tour dates.

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