Women’s Philanthropy is thrilled to share that we are launching a local chapter of Dignity Grows, a program founded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford's Women's Philanthropy. It has now grown into a national initiative chaired by its founder, Jessica Zachs.

Dignity Grows provides monthly personal and menstrual hygiene products to women, girls and individuals assigned female at birth who cannot afford them. Dignity Grows embodies the Jewish values of tzedakah (righteousness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Through this program, we empower our neighbors and remove obstacles to better self-esteem and health by providing personal hygiene essentials every month. Dignity Grows mobilizes volunteers to organize, assemble and distribute free, reusable zipper-top totes filled with a month's supply of soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, along with menstrual products. Federal grant programs do not cover these items, and people often don't think to donate them to food pantries.

Dignity Grows was one of the programs featured at our recent International Lion of Judah conference. We have no doubt that Federations across America will plan to launch their own chapters as well. Volunteers are needed to help pack the totes and financial support will enable us to purchase the contents for the totes (and the totes themselves). Just $10 will fill a Dignity Grows Tote for a neighbor in need.

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.