Dignity Grows | Jewish Federation of Greater Portland

The Mission of Dignity Grows™ is to empower our neighbors in need by providing free menstrual and basic hygiene supplies that allow them to engage in
everyday life.

There are three ways to become involved.

Join One Of Our Committees / Sponsor A Tote / Attend a Packing Party and Volunteer
For more information, contact Merit Pinker at [email protected]

FOLLOW DIGNITY GROWS ON:

We are proud to present the 2024 National Dignity Grows Impact Report which you can read HERE, highlighting a year of national accomplishments, program expansion, and collaborative milestones.

Listen HERE to the Jewish Review Podcast with host Rockne Roll featuring Arielle Goranson, the chair of Portland's chapter of Dignity Grows. They discuss what period poverty is, what volunteering at one of Dignity Grows' packing parties is like, and why this problem is a Jewish issue.

Thank you for being a part of Dignity Grows' journey to end Period Poverty.

Donate A Tote!
A $12 donation will buy a tote filled with a month’s worth of hygiene supplies, including three packages of menstrual products.

Did you know every month, many of our low-income neighbors struggle to afford menstrual products, often having to choose between buying food or essential hygiene supplies. This lack of access to basic hygiene needs may make menstruators feel helpless or embarrassed, cause them to miss school or work, and put their health at risk.

Menstrual hygiene supplies are not covered by SNAP, WIC or other government programs and are rarely available at food pantries. Fortunately, Oregon passed the Menstrual Dignity Act in 2021, making period products available and free in all Oregon public schools, deeming them as necessary as toilet paper. However, these basic supplies may not be available at home.

Attend a packing party, where we assemble the totes that go to our neighbors in need!

Thank you to our volunteers and donors!

NEXT PACKS:
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2026 - TIME/LOCATION TBD
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2026 - TIME/LOCATION TBD

PAST PACKING EVENTS:

November 9, 2025
August 17, 2025
May 18, 2025
March 2, 2025
September 22, 2024
May 19, 2024
February 25, 2024

How We Are Reaching Our Neighbors in Need:

These local organizations distribute Dignity Grows totes on a regular basis to the varied
communities they serve.

OUR DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS

Self Enhancement, Inc (SEI) is dedicated to guiding underserved youth to realize their full potential.

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.

For over 50 years, Transition Projects has delivered life-saving and life-changing assistance to some of Portland’s most vulnerable residents.

Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center provides high quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties.

Our Just Future envisions vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where all people can share in the security, hopes and advantages of a thriving, supportive community. To turn that vision into a reality, we offer a range of programs for folks with low incomes, including emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, housing and economic security programs, and affordable apartment communities that we develop and operate.

Divine Threads - Their mission is to empower and revive women overcoming trauma throughout the Pacific Northwest by providing confidence-building capsule wardrobes, critical life skills training, and compassionate healing from trauma.

ESD 112 - Their work reflects three focus areas: operations expertise, student success and healthy communities. Since 1969, they have been a key educational partner in creating and delivering programs that benefit schools, children and their communities in the six counties of Southwest Washington.

Thank you to our Grantees:

Leonard + Lois Schnitzer Charitable Supporting Foundation of OJCF

Jewish Federation’s Women’s Giving Circle

Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation

Jewish Federation of Greater Portland