Vera House Receives $50,000 Grant from MLB, MLBPA

SYRACUSE, NY – March 8, 2021 – Vera House, a nonprofit that prevents, responds to and partners to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse, is pleased to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from the Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Baseball Players Association’s (MLBPA) “Healthy Relationships Community Grant” program. The grant will support Vera House’s work to educate youth about healthy relationships through two of its violence prevention programs, the Men of Strength (MOST) Club and Coaching Boys Into Men program.

“Our prevention and education team is committed to designing and delivering curricula that can interrupt and change the trajectory of domestic and sexual violence,” said Vera House Co-Executive Director Angela Douglas. “The MLB/MLBPA Healthy Relationships Community Grant provides an opportunity to break the generational violence that has impacted so many.”

The MOST Club mobilizes male-identified youth to prevent sexual and dating violence using a 22-week curriculum. It provides middle- and high school-aged participants with a structured and supportive space to build individualized definitions of healthy masculinity that promote healthy relationships.

Coaching Boys Into Men inspires coaches to teach their young male-identified athletes about the importance of respect for themselves and others, particularly women and girls. During a sport’s season, coaches deliver 15-minute weekly conversations about health relationships and why violence never equals strength. 

The grant will be overseen by George Kilpatrick, Vera House project coordinator/men's outreach. Kilpatrick previously trained the Philadelphia Phillies’ administrative staff on healthy masculinity and relationships.

“Sports have a tremendous influence on our lives, so we’re excited by the leadership MLB and MLBPA have shown in teaching youth about healthy relationships,” said Kilpatrick. “The youth with whom we work often look up to players. Our partnership with MLB and MLBPA helps Vera House deepen our work with coaches and organizations that mentor young men.”

The MLB/MLBPA Healthy Relationships Community Grant program focuses on supporting healthy relationships through programs designed to build and improve relationship skills of the next generation, strengthening and providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence, and improving mental health resiliency among vulnerable populations.

About Vera House

Vera House is a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence service agency providing shelter, advocacy, and counseling services for adults and children, education and prevention programs, and community coordination. To learn more, please visit www.verahouse.org.