One Week Later: Chicago Period Project
This non-profit empowers homeless and in-need people to experience their period with dignity.
Who is/are the brains behind your organization?
We are a small but mighty staff of two. The ins and outs of Chicago Period Project are run by our founder/Executive Director Ashley Novoa (right), and our Operations Manager, Alicia Foote.
Where are you located?
We are in Portage Park in Chicago.
What’s your mission?
Chicago Period Project is a community-based organization whose mission is to help every menstruating person in Chicago experience their periods with dignity. We truly believe that there should be NO PERIOD LEFT BEHIND! Menstrual hygiene products for a period lifetime cost roughly $1700, and our mission is to aid those living below the poverty line to afford the basic necessities needed to experience healthy periods.
In partnership with other organizations and businesses that host donation drives, we are able to pass out period kits on the street or at soup kitchens, and donate menstrual supplies to various shelters throughout Chicago.
Tell us your origin story.
Remember November 8, 2016? Ashley does, too — only instead of spending the next four years screaming into a pillow, she harnessed her fears/uncertainty/frustration and joined together with some moms she met on the internet to create the Chicago Period Project. In six years, Chicago Period Project has generated over 600,000 menstrual hygiene product donations, created and distributed thousands of Period Kits, raised money for operating costs, and formed partnerships with local businesses.
2019 National Period Day rally
Three words to describe your team?
Creative, diverse, committed.
Workplace/workspace/office essentials?
Coffee!
Best source of creative inspiration?
Our team, which is what makes us so strong. We have one member with experience in the non-profit sector, but most of our staff and board come from various backgrounds. Each of us brings a unique perspective to the table, which allows so much more creativity.
What would people be surprised to know about your organization?
Ashley, our founder, runs CPP full-time while also being a stay-at-home mom to two young kids. To say she juggles a lot each day is an understatement.
What are your favorite features of your WOTW site?
Mallory and Kelsey are just the best and talented in every way. We love everything about our site!
Donations at Lost Lake
What was your favorite part of working with the WOTW team?
Again, working alongside Mallory and Kelsey. There are so many details that going into building a site and they not only made the process easy, but fun as well.
Where can people find you/your products/donate?
Click here to see all of our mutual aid partners, where folks can find donations. To donate products, click here. To donate funds, click here. And to find donation locations, or to host your own virtual flow drive or fundraiser, click here.
What are you hoping for in 2021?
Honestly, Covid has impacted so much of our fundraising and operational logistics, so hopefully just jumping back into some post-pandemic normalcy.
