PROJECT OVERVIEW
PROJECT OVERVIEW
MISSION STATEMENT:
RISE Up: Flo Forward aims to address the pressing need for access to reproductive care, menstrual hygiene products, and mental health resources among marginalized women in the San Fernando Valley. As a team part of our school's Global Leadership and Enviornmental Magnet, we constructed our project in hopes of furthering the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as gender equality, responsible consumption, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
PROJECT NEED:
As of 2020, over 18,000 women in Los Angeles County are homeless, a 41% increase from 2013, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services.
The San Fernando Valley is home to a significant population of minority women who face barriers to accessing essential reproductive health services, including abortions, birth control, and mental health support. As the number of unhoused women continue to rise, our project seeks to alleviate these conditions by creating a comprehensive online platform offering information on available services, alongside donation drives.
BUDGET:
Here is the link to our budget - RISE Up: Flo Forward Budget
PROCESS:
We planned two care kit drives and 15 care kit workshops, alongside hosting tables at our Rock the Vote and Club Rush events, where we got 13 sign-ups to help with our menstrual pad workshops!
Our project planner is down below!
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
With the help of donations from our peers, we were able to create 84 care kits that came with toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, first aid kits, and more! They were donated to LA Family Housing, alongside other necessities such as shampoo, body wash, and mouthwash!
We are still working on constructing the menstrual pads, as many team members are beginner sewers, and community partners were not as receptive to this idea; thus, we had to pivot momentarily, but nonetheless, we will be donating our reuseable menstrual pads somewhere, and we are aiming to construct at least 50 before the end of the year.
We're proud to announce that we've donated 84 feminine care kits to LA Family Housing, each packed with essential items like tampons, pads (in all absorbencies), hairbrushes, bandages, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more. Additionally, we've contributed 13 full-size face washes, body lotion, and other necessities to further support the well-being of women in need.
Our new focus has shifted towards prioritizing the production of reusable menstrual pads, aiming to achieve period equity in a sustainable manner. We're committed to contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to peace, justice, strong institutions, responsible consumption, and gender equality.
It's crucial to recognize that access to reliable and reusable menstrual products is a fundamental aspect of menstrual health. The average menstruating person disposes of over 16,000 single-use pads and tampons in their lifetime. By transitioning to reusable pads, we not only reduce waste but also minimize our carbon footprint, fostering a more environmentally conscious approach to menstrual care.
Through our efforts, we're not just providing immediate relief; we're empowering individuals to manage their menstrual health with dignity while focusing on their larger life goals. Together, we're making a tangible difference in the lives of women and promoting a more sustainable future for all.