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From the Heart:

Supporting Necessity &

Dignity in Our Community

by Karen Coney Coplin

or many years (indeed, much of my As safety nets have shrunk and the cost of living has increased
lifetime), discussions about feminine exponentially, many women are forced to choose between food, utilities,
F hygiene were treated as too personal or rent, transportation and healthcare, even though these are all essentials.
uncomfortable to address publicly, even though And, period supplies are now 40% costlier versus 2019.
this affects one half of the population. The Alliance is dedicated to fighting period poverty because with
The reality is that access to basic menstrual an increase of missed days at school or work, a ripple effect begins,
supplies is a monthly necessity. In an economic setting back the futures of girls and women.
climate beset with rising costs in practically By missing work women lose wages and sometimes even jobs which
every sector, this is a real challenge for many among us. Even in a can push their families into poverty. And missed days at school lead to
community as generous and affluent as Naples. playing catch up with instruction or ensuing discouragement by falling
In Southwest Florida, factors including seasonal work, housing behind.
costs and instability, and unexpected hardships contribute to "period Unsafe or unhygienic product substitutes can create health risks.
poverty." In the Naples tradition and spirit of civic responsibility And societal stigma is another stressor, adding to the anxiety felt being
and support, though, one organization is leading the way, addressing without necessary products.
this critical issue locally. Its efforts track the successes of similar The Alliance is committed to breaking down these barriers and
organizations which operate nationally and even globally. Yes, this is opening doors to ensure that opportunity isn't lost as a result of not
a universal need. 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
In Naples, the Alliance for Period Supplies of Southwest about the items that many need.
th
Florida is beginning its 8 year of helping women and girls across The Alliance is dedicated to the important conversation about the
Collier and Lee counties. This nonprofit organization was founded urgent and ongoing nature of their work. This group is at the forefront
expressly to prevent and end period poverty in SWFL. Through a of promoting opportunity, stability and dignity by meeting basic needs
network of 40 dynamic partner organizations, this group distributes of local women and girls.
products to women and girls who otherwise struggle to afford these Whether Naples is home seasonally or year-round, our community
necessities. has a long history of stepping up to care for those in need. Support for
The organization has shared stories of real people and real the Alliance for Period Supplies of Southwest Florida reflects these
successes such as lifting the weight of worry from a mother, shared values and helps expand their vital work within our community.
knowing that her teen daughters are confident when attending Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions for
school, unafraid of embarrassment. future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable organizations
Currently over 6,000 individuals receive supplies every month. in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer. Additionally, for
However, as over 25,000 affected women and girls live in SWFL more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a follow on
at or below the poverty line, the Alliance has set a new goal of Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers
reaching 10,000 women and girls every month for the next 2 years.
Please consider supporting this mission.

I'm abundantly thankful to call Naples my home and to connect with you here.
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