09/17/2026
Since 2015, Palmetto Hope Network has served victims of domestic violence and gun violence. We stand beside people in some of the hardest moments of their lives, helping them find safety, healing, and hope. And we work with young people to break cycles of violence before they start.
That is why we are deeply concerned by the hurt and questions raised online about a host scheduled to appear at this year's Boyz to Men Conference. We have asked this host to step away from this year's event so the conference can keep its focus where it belongs: on the boys.
As victim advocates, we take every allegation of violence seriously. Everyone deserves to be heard and treated with dignity. We walk alongside survivors through the legal process every day, and we know it exists for a reason. Social media is not the place to determine or debate the facts of an individual allegation.
In this situation, our role is to look honestly at our own decisions and actions. Because this conference serves young people, we hold every adult involved to the highest standard. We screen every speaker and host, including background checks, and are refining our selection process to add safeguards where needed.
This work is personal to us. We started REALMAD (Real Men Against Domestic Violence) and Palmetto Hope Network to stand with survivors, end violence against women, and help boys grow into good men.
Trust is earned through action. From our Crisis Navigation Center and Women's Shelter to our mentorship and violence interruption programs, we have spent more than a decade leading with faith and consistently showing up for those who count on us.
To every survivor who has trusted us: we hear you, we respect you, and we stand with you.
We listen. We learn. And we will keep working towards our mission to build communities free from violence.
Warmly,
Butch Kennedy – Founder, REALMAD & Palmetto Hope Network
Lisa Kennedy – Co-Founder & Victim Advocate, Palmetto Hope Network
Send a message to learn more