Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month offers us a time to reflect on the impact women worldwide have had through their unwavering fight to break barriers and inspire action. The women of Lorain County are no different. The Women’s Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is just one of the avenues through which Lorain County women support one another. 

Change the Cycle, the Women’s Fund campaign to fight against period poverty is supporting local women and teens. Period poverty is the lack of affordable access to menstruation supplies. In a recent survey, nearly half of the women reported choosing between buying food or buying period products. Plus, one in five American girls misses all or part of the school day due to their periods. 

Members of the Women’s Fund and a robust cohort of women from throughout Lorain County’s educational, business, and non-profit sectors are working to supply period products to those in need. The Women’s Fund has provided products to various organizations for distribution in the short term. Those organizations include the United Way, Oberlin Community Services, Pathways Enrichment Center, and Path & Green, a new non-profit organization designed to reach young women within our schools to provide personal care items. The long-term goal is to develop a sustainable distribution system. 

As we honor Women’s History Month, take a moment to appreciate everything women have given to our community and how we can do more. Our next meeting will be on March 31, at 5:00 pm. Additionally, the Women’s Fund will be sharing updates on the Change the Cycle initiative at their annual SHEro event on July 14, 2022, at Valley of the Eagles. If you want to become involved in our Change the Cycle initiative or are willing to host a period product collection drive, please contact Missy Timko, Women’s Fund Staff Liaison, at 440.984.7390.