BRAWS - Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters

Goal: $5,000.00

Specific Need

Access to period supplies is a basic need for women. Yet, 2 out of 5 women in the US struggle to afford these necessities, forcing them to do without or to use unsafe makeshift solutions. This adversely impacts their health –physical and mental – and educational and economic success. 1 in 3 low-income women report missing school, work, or other commitments due to lack of period supplies.

BRAWS believes all women should have access to these essentials. BRAWS partners with 23 community organizations in Loudoun County - shelters, food pantries, schools, and other service providers - to ensure these basic necessities reach those in greatest need.

A $25 DONATION

New underwear and two months of period supplies for one individual experiencing period poverty

A $50 DONATION

One month of period supplies for 5 women experiencing homelessness, supporting their dignity and health

A $100 DONATION

Pads or tampons for 10 families visiting a local food pantry, helping them meet their basic menstrual health needs

A $200 DONATION

New sports bras for 15 pre-teen and teenage girls, enabling them to participate in PE and after-school athletics

A $350 DONATION

New bras and underwear for 20 victims of domestic violence, empowering them for their new start in life

Mission

BRAWS' mission is to empower and bring dignity to women and girls by providing new undergarments and period supplies to increase health and well-being, support economic and educational success, and aid in achieving stability. www.supportBRAWS.org

Profile

Menstrual supplies are among the most requested items by under-resourced women and girls, yet they are seldom donated, expensive for shelters and schools to provide, and cannot be purchased using government assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid.

BRAWS is the only organization in Loudoun County that is dedicated exclusively to supplying menstrual products and new undergarments to women and girls in need.

BRAWS distributes these essential resources through partnerships with local community organizations, including shelters, schools, and food banks. The women and girls we serve are typically:

1) Receiving supportive housing (domestic violence shelters, family & emergency shelters, and transitional housing);

2) Obtaining social safety net services in school;

3) Experiencing food and housing insecurity and receiving support from local food banks and community pantries;

4) Recovering from substance use disorder;

5) Formerly incarcerated and receiving resources to re-enter society successfully;

6) Seeking emergency relief.

BRAWS is committed to making menstrual supplies accessible to all. We fulfill our mission with the support of generous grants and cash donations, in-kind donations of menstrual products and undergarments, and the critical gift of volunteer time.