She Supply: Supporting and Empowering the Women of Our Community
by Murray Media Group
In every community, there are unsung heroes working tirelessly to address pressing issues that often go unnoticed. In 2016, a group of Denton County women, led by Kathy Meyer and her childhood friend, Dr. Lisa Pierce Johnson, a local child psychiatrist, established the non-profit organization, She Supply. From the beginning, this charitable organization dedicated itself to tackling a critical issue facing many women today: period poverty. Often overlooked and rarely discussed, this problem affects the lives of countless young women in our community and beyond.
Period poverty refers to the inability to access menstrual products due to financial constraints. Since feminine hygiene products are considered a “luxury,” women below the poverty line cannot use government financial assistance to purchase these essential products. In a society where everyday hygiene and health products are taken for granted, many women and girls are often forced to choose between these essential items and other basic needs, such as food and shelter. This dilemma can lead to numerous challenges, including stigma, missed school days, and compromised health.
Recognizing this untenable situation, She Supply rallied to provide feminine hygiene products to schools and local food banks, ensuring that no woman or girl has to miss out on school or work due to a lack of access to menstrual care. The organization’s mission transcends mere product distribution; it aims to bring the conversation around menstrual health into the light and break down the stigmas that often accompany it. “We want to empower young women so they don’t have to worry about this simple thing that happens to them once a month,” says Lisa.
The impact of She Supply has been profound. By partnering with various schools, food banks, and homeless shelters, the organization has provided nearly two million feminine hygiene products since its inception. For many girls, being able to attend school and focus on their education without the fear of shame or embarrassment about their natural bodily functions can be a godsend. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 1 in 5 girls may miss school due to a lack of menstrual supplies. When paired with the challenges posed by low-income households, the urgency for initiatives like She Supply become readily apparent.
The significance of this support cannot be overstated, especially in a society where open dialogue about periods remains extremely limited. By normalizing conversations around menstruation, Lisa Pierce Johnson and her dedicated team inspire a shift in how we view menstrual health. Workshops and awareness campaigns designed to teach young women about their bodies, self-care, and the importance of advocating for their health have become an integral part of the organization’s program. Such education empowers young women and fosters an environment of support and understanding—a crucial step in ensuring menstrual health is treated as a standard aspect of healthcare.
Despite these strides, the success of She Supply relies heavily on community involvement. Grassroots support fuels the organization’s mission, allowing it to expand its reach and impact. Their reach, which started in the Lewisville independent school district, has since spread throughout Denton, Tarrant, Collin, and Dallas counties. Local businesses and residents have also risen to the occasion, organizing independent donation drives and fundraisers that not only bring in much-needed supplies but also raise awareness about period poverty.
If you’re interested in helping She Supply continue its work, there are numerous ways to get involved. Donating supplies, volunteering your time, or hosting fundraising events can all make a meaningful difference. Additionally, spreading awareness about the issue of period poverty can spark conversations that lead to broader community efforts to tackle this pressing problem. “We need to educate people that period poverty is real. It’s not just a fad or niche thing. It’s not something that’s talked about because it’s embarrassing, and it’s keeping people from getting an education. It’s keeping women from going to work, so they can move on in the world,” Pierce shares.
For many young women, She Supply serves as a pleasant reminder that they are not alone in their struggles, and that help, even with something so personal, is available. As we continue to support and uplift one another, organizations like She Supply shine a light on issues that require our attention and action. By championing the cause of menstrual health and working towards a future where period poverty is eradicated for good, we can ensure that every young woman has access to the hygiene products so they can focus on being daughters, students, and the pillars of our community.
For more information, visit shesupply.org and find out how you can contribute to building a stronger, more supportive community for all.
In every community, there are unsung heroes working tirelessly to address pressing issues that often go unnoticed. In 2016, a group of Denton County women, led by Kathy Meyer and her childhood friend, Dr. Lisa Pierce Johnson, a local child psychiatrist, established the non-profit organization, She Supply. From the beginning, this charitable organization dedicated itself to tackling a critical issue facing many women today: period poverty. Often overlooked and rarely discussed, this problem affects the lives of countless young women in our community and beyond.
Period poverty refers to the inability to access menstrual products due to financial constraints. Since feminine hygiene products are considered a “luxury,” women below the poverty line cannot use government financial assistance to purchase these essential products. In a society where everyday hygiene and health products are taken for granted, many women and girls are often forced to choose between these essential items and other basic needs, such as food and shelter. This dilemma can lead to numerous challenges, including stigma, missed school days, and compromised health.
Recognizing this untenable situation, She Supply rallied to provide feminine hygiene products to schools and local food banks, ensuring that no woman or girl has to miss out on school or work due to a lack of access to menstrual care. The organization’s mission transcends mere product distribution; it aims to bring the conversation around menstrual health into the light and break down the stigmas that often accompany it. “We want to empower young women so they don’t have to worry about this simple thing that happens to them once a month,” says Lisa.
The impact of She Supply has been profound. By partnering with various schools, food banks, and homeless shelters, the organization has provided nearly two million feminine hygiene products since its inception. For many girls, being able to attend school and focus on their education without the fear of shame or embarrassment about their natural bodily functions can be a godsend. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 1 in 5 girls may miss school due to a lack of menstrual supplies. When paired with the challenges posed by low-income households, the urgency for initiatives like She Supply become readily apparent.
The significance of this support cannot be overstated, especially in a society where open dialogue about periods remains extremely limited. By normalizing conversations around menstruation, Lisa Pierce Johnson and her dedicated team inspire a shift in how we view menstrual health. Workshops and awareness campaigns designed to teach young women about their bodies, self-care, and the importance of advocating for their health have become an integral part of the organization’s program. Such education empowers young women and fosters an environment of support and understanding—a crucial step in ensuring menstrual health is treated as a standard aspect of healthcare.
Despite these strides, the success of She Supply relies heavily on community involvement. Grassroots support fuels the organization’s mission, allowing it to expand its reach and impact. Their reach, which started in the Lewisville independent school district, has since spread throughout Denton, Tarrant, Collin, and Dallas counties. Local businesses and residents have also risen to the occasion, organizing independent donation drives and fundraisers that not only bring in much-needed supplies but also raise awareness about period poverty.
If you’re interested in helping She Supply continue its work, there are numerous ways to get involved. Donating supplies, volunteering your time, or hosting fundraising events can all make a meaningful difference. Additionally, spreading awareness about the issue of period poverty can spark conversations that lead to broader community efforts to tackle this pressing problem. “We need to educate people that period poverty is real. It’s not just a fad or niche thing. It’s not something that’s talked about because it’s embarrassing, and it’s keeping people from getting an education. It’s keeping women from going to work, so they can move on in the world,” Pierce shares.
For many young women, She Supply serves as a pleasant reminder that they are not alone in their struggles, and that help, even with something so personal, is available. As we continue to support and uplift one another, organizations like She Supply shine a light on issues that require our attention and action. By championing the cause of menstrual health and working towards a future where period poverty is eradicated for good, we can ensure that every young woman has access to the hygiene products so they can focus on being daughters, students, and the pillars of our community.
For more information, visit shesupply.org and find out how you can contribute to building a stronger, more supportive community for all.