JEWISHcolorado is creating a new chapter of the national Dignity Grows™ program, designed to distribute free, monthly personal and feminine products to women and girls who cannot afford them.

The program mobilizes volunteers to organize and assemble reusable totes filled with a month’s supply of soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and menstrual products and to distribute the totes through local community partners.

“The pandemic has meant that more families are in need of help from food pantries and assistance initiatives. Federal grant programs often don’t cover these essential supplies, and people often don’t think to donate them to food pantries,” says Lisa Mintz, a member of the JEWISHcolorado Board of Directors and volunteer leader of the Dignity Grows™ program in Denver. “By providing supplies to those who cannot afford them, we are helping recipients attend school, got to work, and take part in the life of the community. The lack of access to menstrual products has an enormous negative impact on women’s lives. Dignity Grows is designed to make a difference for them,” she said.

Dignity Grows™ was started in 2019 by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford in Hartford, CT, and it is now a national initiative chaired by its founder, Jessica Zachs.

With the new Denver chapter, volunteers will meet throughout the year for packing parties and for tote bag distribution. Volunteers and financial contributions are welcome:

• To get more information or to become involved, contact Jill Katchen at jkatchen@JEWISHcolorado.org.
• To donate, visit the JEWISHcolorado website and indicate “Dignity Grows” in the comment section. Just $10 will fill a Dignity Grows™ tote for a neighbor in need.
• To access Dignity Grows™ supplies, please contact Jewish Family Services and the Weinberg Food Pantry at 720-248-4592.

Dignity Grows™ is an effort of JEWISHcolorado’s Women’s Philanthropy program.