Dignity Grows provides monthly personal and menstrual hygiene products to women, girls and individuals who menstruate, who cannot afford them. Founded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Women’s Philanthropy, Dignity Grows™ embodies the Jewish values of Tzedakah (righteousness) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).  

 

In March 2021, Women’s Philanthropy of Greater Portland became the 15th chapter of Dignity Grows in the collective of 147 Jewish Federations known as JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America). 

We are so excited about launching Dignity Grows in the Portland community!

 

There are three ways to become involved.

 

Volunteer - Sponsor a tote - Join one of our committees 

for more information or to join one of our committees click 

HERE.

CONTINUE THE MAGIC!

Future Rosh Chodesh Experiences Benefiting
Dignity Grows

 

These Rosh Chodesh gatherings bring together one-of-a-kind experiences and amazing people to support Dignity Grows.

 

Proceeds from the events go to purchase the personal and menstrual hygiene products needed to fill the Dignity Totes distributed by Transition Projects, Virginia Garcia Health Centers, Outside In, Self-Enhancement, Inc. and A Safe Place. 

 

Sponsor Dignity Totes

Each tote provides monthly personal and menstrual hygiene products to women, girls and individuals assigned female at birth, who cannot afford them.

Each tote is $10.

One in five American women can't afford menstrual supplies and toiletries. This inability creates barriers to education, employment and social connections. Feeling shame, some girls stay home from school during their periods,  while women miss work, often losing wages. Government benefits like SNAP don't cover these necessities and they are rarely donated. Each Dignity Tote holds a month’s supply of sanitary pads and tampons, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a bar of soap, deodorant and shampoo. 

  • Our Chapter

    Volunteers will work with distribution partners and expand strategically as we grow our initiative in the Greater Portland-area.
    Volunteers will have the opportunity to plan and participate in packing parties.
    For more information contact: Julie Alferez at Julie@jewishportland.org

Click to read the latest Dignity Grows News! 

Distribution Partners

  • Transition Projects

    For over 50 years, Transition Projects has delivered life-saving and life-changing assistance to some of Portland’s most vulnerable residents. The team engages people at all levels of their journey from homelessness to housing. Whether it's getting critical support to unhoused neighbors, providing shelter for folks to reset and set their sights on housing, or bringing online innovative, deeply affordable housing solutions, Transition Projects meets and supports the many needs of the community.

  • The Mission of the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center is to provide high quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farmworkers and others with barriers to receiving health care. Virginia Garcia serves more than 47,000 people in the community each year. We have 18 clinics providing care in two counties.

  • Distribution Partner

    Since 1968, Outside In has provided a safe, supportive, and inclusive place for health care, along with services to help the underserved and people experiencing homelessness achieve independence. Outside In’s clinic, a Federally-Qualified Health Center and youth department provide a comprehensive array of services to its patients.

  • Self Enhancement, Inc (SEI)

    Self Enhancement, Inc (SEI) is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full potential. Working with schools, families, and partner community organizations, SEI provides support, guidance, and opportunities to achieve personal and academic success. SEI brings hope to individual young people and enhances the quality of community life.

  • A Safe Place

    Since 2013, A Safe Place Family Justice Center has been helping individuals and families by providing support and safety planning for anyone experiencing family violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, stalking, or abuse against older adults and people with disabilities. Our trained and compassionate professionals from over 10 agencies are available to meet with you. During Covid-19 appointments are preferred by calling A Safe Place at 503-655-8600.

Business Partners

Nicole Sacks, Chair, Dignity Grows Portland
Email:nicole@sacks.me 

 

Dignity Grows is grateful for the funding support from
the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation
of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.

More Information About Period Poverty

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How To Start Tackling Period Poverty

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State of the Period

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1 in 10 college women face period poverty, a study shows.

Black and Latina women are most likely to report not being able to afford tampons and pads, the research shows

For transgender men, pain of menstruation is more than just physical

Safety concerns and a lack of access to menstruation products are among the issues trans and gender-nonconforming people face during "that time of the month."

Changing the Cycle: Period Poverty as a Public Health Crisis

Access to menstrual products is a right, and feeling clean, confident, and capable during one’s period is a necessity. We can all work toward menstrual equity, and the opportunities are boundless.

The State of Period Poverty in the U.S.

Menstrual hygiene products remain out of reach for many American households. The Center for Global Women’s Health wants to change that.