Supporting Necessity & Dignity in Our Community

by Karen Coney Coplin

For many years (indeed, much of my lifetime), discussions about feminine hygiene were treated as too personal or uncomfortable to address publicly, even though this affects one half of the population.

The reality is that access to basic menstrual supplies is a monthly necessity. In an economic climate beset with rising costs in practically every sector, this is a real challenge for many among us. Even in a community as generous and affluent as Naples.

In Southwest Florida, factors including seasonal work, housing costs and instability, and unexpected hardships contribute to “period poverty.” In the Naples tradition and spirit of civic responsibility and support, though, one organization is leading the way, addressing this critical issue locally. Its efforts track the successes of similar organizations which operate nationally and even globally. Yes, this is a universal need.

In Naples, the Alliance for Period Supplies of Southwest Florida is beginning its 8th year of helping women and girls across Collier and Lee counties. This nonprofit organization was founded expressly to prevent and end period poverty in SWFL. Through a network of 40 dynamic partner organizations, this group distributes products to women and girls who otherwise struggle to afford these necessities.

The organization has shared stories of real people and real successes such as lifting the weight of worry from a mother, knowing that her teen daughters are confident when attending school, unafraid of embarrassment.

Currently over 6,000 individuals receive supplies every month. However, as over 25,000 affected women and girls live in SWFL at or below the poverty line, the Alliance has set a new goal of reaching 10,000 women and girls every month for the next 2 years.

Please consider supporting this mission. As safety nets have shrunk and the cost of living has increased exponentially, many women are forced to choose between food, utilities, rent, transportation and healthcare, even though these are all essentials. And, period supplies are now 40% costlier versus 2019.

The Alliance is dedicated to fighting period poverty because with an increase of missed days at school or work, a ripple effect begins, setting back the futures of girls and women. By missing work women lose wages and sometimes even jobs which can push their families into poverty. And missed days at school lead to playing catch up with instruction or ensuing discouragement by falling behind.

Unsafe or unhygienic product substitutes can create health risks. And societal stigma is another stressor, adding to the anxiety felt being without necessary products.

The Alliance is committed to breaking down these barriers and opening doors to ensure that opportunity isn’t lost as a result of not being able to afford period supplies. There are many ways to help.

As with all nonprofits, donations are always appreciated. Here, every dollar donated goes toward period products, as all of the Alliance’s work is done by volunteers. Supporters are also invited to host a period packing party or a product drive, among other suggestions. Please visit the website for further details: www.apsofswfl.org to get started. You can also use your voice to share educational information and advocate for period products in schools, shelters, and public facilities.

As with the work of the Alliance, this will help normalize discussions about the items that many need. The Alliance is dedicated to the important conversation about the urgent and ongoing nature of their work. This group is at the forefront of promoting opportunity, stability and dignity by meeting basic needs of local women and girls.

Whether Naples is home seasonally or year-round, our community has a long history of stepping up to care for those in need. Support for the Alliance for Period Supplies of Southwest Florida reflects these shared values and helps expand their vital work within our community.

Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions for future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable organizations in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer. Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a follow on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers