BRAWS provides free menstrual supplies and undergarments to women and girls of all ages throughout VA, who do not have access to critical, basic needs. Since 2015, through our partnerships with local shelters, schools, food pantries, and community organizations, BRAWS has distributed over four million pads, tampons, new bras and underwear to women and girls in crisis. Our goal is to ensure individuals have their needs met in a comprehensive effort to assist in overcoming immediate burdens, provide resources for economic and educational success, aid in achieving stability, as well as increasing long-term health benefits and well-being. BRAWS offers direct service programs that align with our mission:
1. Shelter Delivery/Distribution: BRAWS delivers pads, tampons, new bras & underwear to local domestic violence, family & emergency shelters, transitional housing & community partners weekly or monthly. Please complete this form to apply to become a shelter partner. **PLEASE NOTE: We do not provide items directly to individual clients, requests must come through the shelter.
2. School delivery: BRAWS delivers pads and tampons each month to girls in local schools, who cannot afford menstrual supplies to attend classes. BRAWS also purchases underwear and bras for school-age girls who do not have access to these items. Please complete this form to apply to become a school partner.
3. PTA/PTSA Partnership: BRAWS delivers pads and tampons each month to local PTA/PTSA programs and pantries. These programs are where students in need can discreetly shop for nonperishable food and personal hygiene items. If you are a representative of your school's PTA/PTSA and are interested in bringing menstrual products supplied by BRAWS, please complete this form to apply to become a PTA/PTSA partner.
4. Food Banks and Community Pantries: BRAWS partners with local food banks and community pantries to distribute resources to those who are food and/or housing insecure. Pleasecomplete this form to apply to become a partner.
5. Refugee Assistance - BRAWS supports refugees who are building a new life in our community. Pleasecomplete this form to applyfor assistance.
10. Advocacy/Education: BRAWS believes that women and girls should not feel humiliated nor embarrassed by the topic of menstruation. Because menstruation is a normal, biological function, BRAWS also believes that there should be unobstructed access to pads and tampons in school bathrooms, public restrooms, and jails and prisons. BRAWS work includes shaping public policy that better reflects the needs of women and girls in this country. Volunteer here to help us make this change!