Beginning this school year, Champions Club for G.I.R.L.S., the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s women’s giving society, is working to end period poverty. Upwards of 49% of U.S. women, ages 18 to 55, do not have consistent access to feminine health products, and nearly 20% of girls and teens note missing school at least once due to lack of access to these fundamental needs.
Champions Club has launched a new initiative called the Care Club – a service that provides hygiene products to all BGCMA members who experience menstruation. These products include: tampons, pads, deodorant and other related items. The Care Club also provides members with educational resources on menstruation.
“Champions Club understands that periods are nothing to be ashamed of and should not be a burden in your day-to-day life,” said Carla Smith, Champions Club Membership Chair. “We want BGCMA members to know that they have free access to any feminine care and hygiene products that they may need throughout the school year.”
In addition to providing free access to a variety of feminine health and hygiene products, the Care Club initiative will also offer educational materials and opportunities for club members and their families as well as club staff. One of the best ways to advocate for an end to period poverty is through education. The Care Club will provide web-based resources as well as books on the topics of menstruation and feminine health for all reading levels. Club staff will receive content appropriate for members of all ages, in an effort to remove stigma and shame from a biologically normal occurrence in the lives of menstruating persons.
WHAT: The Care Club is an initiative to provide free period and hygiene products as well as educational materials to all members who experience menstruation.
WHO: Champions Club for GIRLS – BGCMA’s women’s giving circle – will collect and distribute these supplies to Clubs for use by BGCMA members. In the 2021-2022 membership year, BGCMA served more than 2,400 girls ages 6 to18.
WHEN: Care Club items are available to members Monday through Friday, and members are encouraged to take home supplies for use over the weekend.
WHERE: All 26 Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta locations.
HOW: Support the Care Club today! Browse the Care Club Wishlist or drop off supplies at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Support Center located at: 2880 Dresden Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341 during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). If you are interested in supporting young women through Champions Club for GIRLS, reach out to Director of Individual Giving, Whitney Brown at whbrown@bgcma.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA): For more than 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has ignited the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. Our 26 Clubs located in 11 counties across metropolitan Atlanta have traditionally served nearly 8000 kids & teens (ages 6-18) each year, offering youth development programs during critical non-school hours that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. www.bgcma.org.