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BRAWS mission is to bring dignity and empowerment to women and girls living in shelters by providing new, personally fitted undergarments and menstrual supplies.   In 2018, we were able to serve over 80 shelters and schools, help 6,000 women and girls, reach: 21 counties, 10 school districts, 6 states, and distribute over two million new and unopened pads, tampons, underwear and bras.  Learn more HERE or scroll down to see our latest happenings!

don't miss out on braws biggest fundraiser of the year!

Mardi Bras is our biggest fundraiser of the year- without it we could not fund our mission- please join us as we seek to change the lives of girls and women in our community!  JOIN US- Buy a ticket- invite friends to join you- Be a Sponsor!  Can't attend but want to support us?  Check out our Silent Auction- with new items added all the time! Find out MORE.

join us for new volunteer orientation

 Want to be a BRAWS Volunteer but not sure what it entails or what sorts of opportunities are available?  Come to one of our New Volunteer Orientations and discover all the ways you can get involved! 
We offer orientations on: 
*Wednesday January 29, 7-8 pm
*Saturday February 8, 10-11 am
*Thursday February 13, 10-11 am
*Saturday March 7, 10-11 am
*Monday March 16, 7-8 pm
Sign up HERE! Questions?  Email volunteer@braws.org

restroom revolution for fcps

Great News!  FCPS will now supply FREE menstrual products in girl's restrooms for the first time! Thanks to the Girl Up Club at Justice HS for bringing the issue to the attention of the school board. According to the "State of the Period" study commissioned this year by Thinx Inc and the nonprofit PERIOD, 1 in 5 teens struggle to afford menstrual products or are unable to purchase them at all.  BRAWS partnered with the Girl Up Club's menstrual equity program at Justice and is collaborating with several FCPS schools involved in a pilot program to address this issue.  Read the article in the Fairfax Times HERE!

our story

Six years ago, our founder Holly Seibold wanted to help women in local homeless shelters. She held a small collection drive at her house, inviting friends and neighbors and collected over 300 new bras, underwear, pads, and tampons. Holly brought the items to 3 shelters in the area and soon other shelters were calling her.  She quickly discovered that these items are: rarely donated, expensive for shelters to replenish and are not covered by food stamps. ​
​Since then, BRAWS has expanded our services- to include monthly deliveries of menstrual products to area shelters and school pantries.  In 2018, we were able to serve over 80 shelters and schools, help 6,000 women and girls, reach: 21 counties, 10 school districts, 6 states, and distribute over two million new and unopened pads, tampons, underwear and bras. 

 The majority of individuals in homeless shelters are women and their children. They are typically victims of domestic violence fleeing from abusive homes or are single mothers who have lost their jobs due to unforeseen circumstances and need help getting back on their feet.  ​They need physical and mental support to transition to better lives for themselves and their children. Our mission is to provide them not only with tangible items they need, but to empower them to gain independence and stability. 

​We have also found that many girls miss school due to lack of menstrual products and are working to meet that need by providing these products to area schools and school pantries.  With the help of area businesses and organizations we have installed free dispensers in over 15 schools and community locations.   BRAWS also engages in advocacy and education on menstrual equity, stigma and improving accessibility of menstrual products and undergarments for women and girls.

meet missy

​​​Missy (name changed for anonymity) is a 9th grader who attends school in Fairfax County. Missy is among the 10% of students in her school who qualify for free lunches. Her mom is a bus driver who works full time, but expensive housing and low wages prevents her family from living above the poverty level. Missy is the oldest of three children in her one-parent household. She tries to help her mom by keeping expenses low, but, last year, found herself needing a new, costly item - menstrual pads...

​READ MORE to see how BRAWS helped Missy, who hasn't missed a day of school since because she didn't have what she needs and is doing even better at school because she no longer has to worry about how she will manage her period!

It is stories like Missy's that keep us working towards our goal: No child should miss school because of her period. We are so thankful for our many donors, volunteers and supporters throughout the years who have helped us achieve our mission. Be a HERO to Missy and girls like her- donate ​HERE!

MARDI BRAS 2020- FEBRUARY 28TH-
​DON'T MISS THE EXCITEMENT!

Mardi Bras is our largest fundraiser of the year - bringing in the funds to support over half of our annual budget! Money raised goes to purchase menstrual supplies and undergarments for shelters and schools in our community in 2020!  Please consider becoming a Sponsor or attending the event! View our FAQ's to find out more!

​BRAWS IS NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE GIVING CIRCLE OF HOPE'S 2019 GRANT AWARD!

We are honored to be included in the incredible list of 8 outstanding local nonprofit recipients of the Giving Circle of Hope's 2019 Grant Award!  This $3000 award will be used to provide undergarments and menstrual products to girls in Loudoun County, with the goal of reducing school absences.  We are so thankful to them for their financial support, kindness and dedication to making our community a better place! for more info - go to their website- ​https://www.givingcircleofhope.org/impact

need more space for your group?

To supplement the increased cost of rent, we would like to offer the community space to use for classes, groups, tutoring, meetings etc. on nights and weekends (and some afternoons). We have a large room that can accommodate up to 35 people and a kitchen! Price is negotiable and a financial donation to BRAWS! Sign up HERE to reserve a spot today! Questions? Email us at info@BRAWS.org

View our slideshow to find out more about BRAWS!

other ways to get involved

​BRAWS PARTNERS WITH​ TOWN OF VIENNA TO LAUNCH 1ST TOWN DISPENSER PROGRAM IN VA

September 2018- BRAWS launched the "Dignity in Public" initiative in partnership with the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department. This initiative will place dispensers in two of the Vienna Community Center bathrooms and one in the Town Green restroom. These machines will dispense FREE pads and tampons, thanks to generous donations from the Vienna Woman's Club, the Govan Real Estate Group and Tim & Julianna Chapman of Chapman Development. Read more HERE.

mardi bras 2019 highlights

huge thanks to our
Mardi bras 2020 sponsors!