Period Poverty and Diaper Needs in Northern Colorado: How you can get Help
The anxiety, shame and heartache that can come from having to choose between food and diapers or period products can seem unsurmountable, but one nonprofit organization is here to help.
The Grace Upon Grace Project is out to remedy period poverty and diaper needs in Northern Colorado.
"Tuned In to NoCo" had the chance to speak with the Grace Upon Grace Founder, Emily Jorgensen and the Managing Director of Fort Collins Insurance, Jackie Jackson. They both say that no one should have to deal with this, and Jorgensen says they are out to fix the issue.
"We want to implement a program that ensures period products are in all school bathrooms, and we also want to address chronic period poverty by creating a program to have three-month period kits. So, families aren't having to choose between the period products and the food on the table."
Jorgensen says that Fort Collins Insurance was recently awarded the 2022 Make More Happen Award by Liberty Mutual and Safeco. This award is for exceptional volunteerism with the Grace Upon Grace Project. Through this award, they were able to raise $10,000 to go towards the project.
"We're going to be using the $10,000 to address access to period products in schools for students. So we are working with the schools in Northern Colorado and ensuring that all students have access to period products. So, they can be focused on learning instead of where they can find their next period products."
With one in four individuals suffering from period poverty, Jorgensen says it's more common then you think.
"It could be a friend, a family member, or just someone sitting next to you in a room, and you have no idea the shame or insecurity they are feeling because they don't have access to these products."
Having a daughter herself, Jackson says this is something that no one should have to worry about.
"This should not be something that we are shameful about. This is something that happens naturally, and we should be able to have those products. Also, having a child, I can't imagine rationing diapers or not being able to have those diapers...it's just so important for our community and can't be ignored."
Jorgensen says if you need help or know someone who needs help, don't hesitate to reach out.
"What's unique about Grace Upon Grace Project is we are a no questions asked organization. Meaning you don't have to qualify or prove that you need help. Our main goal is to remove barriers for members of our community, and one of the barriers we always felt was having to prove that you need the help. So if you need help, we'll be there to help you."
For more information on how to get help or how to get involved click here.
To listen to the full interview, check out the link below.
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