thanks for visiting our site!

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!
meet missy
Missy (name changed for anonymity) is an 8th 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!
our story
Six years ago, our founder Holly Seibold wanted to do something to help women in local homeless shelters. She held a small collection drive at her house, inviting friends and neighbors to donate. They collected over 300 new bras, as well as underwear, pads, and tampons. Holly brought the items to three shelters in the area and soon other shelters were reaching out to her, requesting she hold more donation drives. Holly quickly discovered that the things she collected are some of the most rarely donated because they are expensive for shelters to replenish and 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.  

 At any given time, the majority of individuals in a homeless shelter 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.  ​Regardless of the situation that led these women to homelessness, 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.
back to school collection drive
​​Donations can be brought to our office at 114 Courthouse Rd SW, Vienna on M-Th 9am- 2pm, Fridays 11am-1pm or any of our AREA COLLECTION SITES.  We also have an AMAZON WISHLIST if that is more convenient!  Thanks so much!
 NEEDED ITEMS:
*Always Radiant- Sizes 1 & 2
*Girls and Boys Underwear- All Sizes
*Sports Bras- Preteen, Teen & Adult Sizes
*Girl's Camis
thanks to you our silent auction was a huge success!

The summer Silent Auction was a huge success!
thanks to everyone who participated!
visit our new location!

  come visit us at our
​new location- 
114 Courthouse Rd SW
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
​braws named nominee for greater washington good business awards!

​BRAWS has been named a nominee for the Greater Washington Good Business Awards in the Non-Profit of the Year category! These awards honor and celebrate the leadership of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that serve as powerful champions for good in our community. Thank you to the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for recognizing our work! #GoodBizAwards
2017-18 annual report has been released
Click HERE to see our 17-18 Annual Report for more information on what we were up to this year!
BRAWS PARTNERS WITH​ TOWN OF VIENNA TO LAUNCH FIRST TOWN DISPENSER PROGRAM IN VIRGINIA
September 21, 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.
Holly Seibold, Executive Director & Founder of BRAWS appointed by the Governor to Va’s Council on Women
​The purpose of the Council is to “identify ways in which women can reach their potential and make their full contribution to society and the Commonwealth.” She has dedicated the last 20 years to this mission, and is so excited for the opportunity to now represent the state of Virginia in this endeavor. Thank you for the support and encouragement so many have shown to BRAWS and to Holly!  Read more HERE
BRAWS Slideshow

View our slideshow to find out more about BRAWS!
other ways to get involved
Mardi bras 2019
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Mardi Bras is our largest fundraiser of the year - bringing in the funds to support over half of our annual budget! Money raised from this year's Mardi Bras will be used to purchase menstrual supplies and undergarments for shelters and schools in our community in 2019!  Thanks to all of our Sponsors and Supporters for making this year’s event such a huge success!!!! Enjoy photos below courtesy of ​Images for Good!

huge thanks to our
Mardi bras 2019 sponsors!