Grand Rapids, MI — The Junior League of Grand Rapids (JLGR) announced at its 10th Annual Gala
on Friday, May 1, the launch of a new signature initiative, JL CARES; focused on reducing period
poverty in West Michigan.Through JL CARES, JLGR will address this critical issue through education
and awareness, product collection and distribution, and advocacy.

“This initiative reflects the passion and commitment of our members, who care deeply about this issue
and recognize the real need in our community,” said Erica Powell, Vice President of Community Impact,
JLGR. “We didn’t begin with a solution, we began with questions. We asked: What are the most
pressing needs? Who is being left out? What will happen if we act, more importantly, what will happen
if we don’t?”

Over the past year, JLGR considered data and listened closely to input from community partners and
members. What became clear was that lack of access to menstrual products is a serious and often
overlooked public health issue, and it’s happening right here in West Michigan.

Globally, 800 million people menstruate each day, yet 500 million lack access to necessary supplies. In
the United States, nearly 17 million people who menstruate live in poverty. In Michigan, 1 in 5 women
and girls live below the poverty line, and 15% of students In Grand Rapids Public School are impacted
by poverty. Meanwhile, the cost of period products adds up quickly. The average monthly cost is about
$15, totaling nearly $550 a year for a family with a mom and two teenage daughters.

JLGR took its first step this Spring providing 550 discreet period product kits to 5th grade students in
Grand Rapids Public Schools. This initial effort marks the beginning of a broader, sustained
commitment.

JLGR will officially launch JL CARES this September working with trusted community partners to
distribute menstrual hygiene kits directly to those who need them most. A pilot program will begin with
the YWCA West Central Michigan, allowing JLGR to better understand community needs, improve
distribution, and refine what goes into each kit.

If left unaddressed, period poverty has far reaching consequences: students miss school, workers miss
shifts, families face difficult financial decisions. Individuals also experience challenges to their health,
dignity, and opportunity. JLGR is committed to facing these challenges head-on.

President AJ Wilkes said “JL CARES is the next bold step in the League’s 101-year legacy of driving
meaningful change in Grand Rapids. It represents not only our commitment to this community, but also
our vision for a stronger, more supported future for all.”

For more information about JL CARES or to learn how you can get involved, please contact:

Erica Powell | VP Community Impact
vpcommunityimpactjlgr@gmail.com

About the Junior League of Grand Rapids
The Junior League of Grand Rapids is an organization of women committed to developing leaders and
improving the community through volunteer service, collaboration, and training.