How many of us struggle to lose that extra five or ten pounds? It’s the eternal quest. For Dana Marlowe, founder of For the Girls, it was her own weight loss last summer that opened her eyes to the plight of homeless women for whom a supply of bras as well as personal hygiene products are a luxury they can ill afford. With a drawer filled with bras that no longer fit, it was the saleswoman where she was shopping who shared this little known fact. With her typical “let’s fix it” approach, Dana put out a call to friends and family via social media asking for people to send her those items they no longer used in addition to personal hygiene products. The rest, as they say, is history. As that first appeal went viral Dana was quickly inundated with boxes and boxes of goods. Clearly she had struck a chord with women across the country and even in foreign countries.
When we met Dana several weeks ago we knew immediately why this dynamo had such success. Her passion, her intelligence and her can-do attitude made it possible for her to build the foundation for a national organization that is harnessing the energy of so many others who believe this is a need that should be resolved. With The Good People Fund’s matching grant, as well as ongoing mentoring, in one year For the Girls has not only collected more than 20,000 bras and 50,000 personal hygiene products but has also established local branches in 9 cities across this country, in addition to Canada, Australia and Pakistan. For the Girls’ official launch is taking place today July 21, and from what we have seen Dana’s actions have clearly inspired so many people. Imagine how many homeless women will now gain dignity and comfort because of Dana’s actions.