Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven is thrilled to announce the launch of Dignity Grows™, an organization that pledges to make a difference in women’s lives by providing personal hygiene supplies for women in need throughout the Greater New Haven community. The nascent New Haven chapter raised significant dollars and has already placed its first order of bags and supplies for women in our community.

Human dignity should not be considered a luxury, yet many women in the U.S. suffer from period poverty, lacking financial resources to purchase basic feminine hygiene and essential personal care products. Many women in our community have been forced to choose between buying food for their families or buying pads/tampons. Imagine you have just used your last one and have no money to purchase more.

“We are thrilled to become the newest chapter of Dignity Grows™,” said Emily Sandberg, Chair of Dignity Grows New Haven. “It's more critical than ever that we band together to meet the basic needs for the people in our community—particularly in such a crucial area that many of us take for granted. We hope this initiative will resonate and we can raise much needed funds to allow us to provide these essential hygiene products to those in need.”

Each month, recipients get reusable zipper-top totes filled with a month's supply of hygiene products. Volunteers support the project by donating funds to purchase supplies for the totes and/or giving their time to help pack the totes. We will be organizing “Packing Parties” in COVID-safe environments to meet and pack supplies for recipients.

“Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation has a long tradition of showing up and making a difference in this community,” said Nancy Cohen, Chair of Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. “It is exciting to see all the positive response for this cause from women throughout the community. I hope that people will join us so that we can fulfill this very real need in our community.”

“We are proud to become the newest chapter of Dignity Grows, and glad to contribute to our local community in this important way. 100% of the donations towards Dignity Grows™ will support the cause,” said Judy Alperin, CEO of the Jewish Federation, Foundation and JCC of Greater New Haven.

In the Greater New Haven area, Dignity Grows™ bags will be distributed through designated partners such as Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven. In collaboration with Distribution Partners, Dignity Grows™ removes obstacles to better self-esteem and improved health through the security and comfort of having hygiene essentials every month.

Just $120 will fill a Dignity Grows™ tote for a woman in need for a full year. Dignity Grows™ tote-packing events are coming up and volunteers are needed to help fill the bags. For more information on how to get involved and/ or donate, contact Chief Development Officer Amy Holtz at aholtz@jewishnewhaven.org or visit jewishnewhaven.org/womens-network/dignity-grows.

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The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven is a non-profit organization that aims to lead, build, strengthen, and renew a dynamic local Jewish community. We unite our diverse Jewish community, inspiring each person’s actions to strengthen Jewish life in Greater New Haven and around the world. We are guided by the traditional Jewish values of Torah (tradition, learning and deeds), Tikkun Olam (improving the condition of our world), Tzedakah (philanthropy and acts of loving kindness), and k’lal Yisrael (Jewish peoplehood).