about Us- BRAWS

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!

PERIODS DON’T STOp...

Due to the ongoing pandemic and in light of recent events in Haiti and Afghanistan, the need for menstrual products and undergarments is even more urgent right now! With your help, we continue to collect and distribute donations of pads, tampons, bras and underwear. We work with community partners, local school districts, shelters and food pantries to provide for families in need both in our community and abroad.

If you have items that you would like to donate (and those donations are much needed at this time!), we encourage you to drop them by our office @ 133 Park Street NE, Suite 3B, Vienna Va 22180 or purchase via BRAWS Amazon Link.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the safety of our volunteers has been paramount and we continue to make adjustments as needed in order to ensure the utmost safety of all involved. As of now, volunteers are not permitted to enter partner facilities until further notice. We continue to encourage our volunteers and staff to stay home if they are not feeling well, especially high risk populations as determined by the CDC. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, and provide updates via social media (so follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!).

In the meantime, please support those who need your help by donating products, contributing financially and volunteering. Periods don't stop in a pandemic- or a natural disaster- or for any crisis. We need your help to provide those in need with access to menstrual supplies and undergarments, no matter the circumstances.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Respectfully,
Holly Seibold
Founder & Executive Director
BRAWS

our story

Seven 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.

oh what a night!

Thanks to YOU-
Thousands of women in shelters will not have to go without a bra, underwear or essential menstrual supplies.
Thousands of girls won't have to miss school because their family could not afford menstrual supplies.

Huge thanks to our amazing Sponsors- their support is crucial to our mission. Check out our Sponsor list- these are area businesses who care about the women and girls in our community!