Summer Sip, Shop and Support Recap

On Thursday, June 18th, GIVING WoMN members and guests gathered at Uplift North for our inaugural summer event - Sip, Shop and Support. The 29 folks in attendance (18 members and 11 guests) enjoyed an evening of browsing and shopping in Uplift North's thrift store which provided a refreshing opportunity for folks to socialize and connect before hearing from the organization's president, Susan Dolan. Uplift North is a 2025 GIVING WoMN grantee that has been working since 1993 to address, not solve, community challenges facing our neighbors. The entire organization is volunteer-led (four of which are also GIVING WoMN members) and prides itself on living its motto, "Together With Purpose."

Understanding that communities experience brighter futures when we all work together, Uplift North distributed 837 Survivor Care and Support packs to local emergency rooms. These packs were made possible because of the GIVING WoMN grant. Uplift North's Survivor Care and Support packs are given to sexual assault survivors who are often discharged from emergency rooms with only a hospital gown to wear because their clothes are needed as evidence. These kits included a tee shirt, sweatpants or leggings, undergarments, socks and a toiletry kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, lip balm and shampoo. Susan Dolan shared that of those surveyed, 70% of patients felt the kits provided needed items and 90% of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners stated the kits provided patients comfort and care. Throughout the tour of Uplift North's facility in Richfield, attendees felt a collective sense that the work of GIVING WoMN is not only making a tangible difference, it is also helping women feel safe, strong and supported.