06/05/2026
Sasha* wrote a note on a piece of paper asking if she could take a care bag to her sister. I wrote back that a woman must be present in order to receive items. Sasha is one of our deaf clients.
Che* wanted to speak to me privately. She has been in jail for the past month and is starting over with nothing. She needs clothes. I noticed that she had tissue packed into her ear yet liquid was still seeping out. Her face was also swollen. She told me that she has had a hole in her eardrum for 6 years and she hasn’t been able to get much help because she doesn’t have insurance.
Layla* took one of the volunteers aside to talk. I noticed a guy following close behind. He wouldn’t let her out of his sight. She wants help for domestic violence. She said she will come back next week for a list of resources. She is a beautiful, funny woman but her spirit is tired.
I met a new client, Keva*, who is interested in getting sober. She has been to treatment before and is considering going again.
“I don’t wanna be that person that goes in and out of rehab over and over. I just wanna do it for the second time and be done with it.” I told her, “As long as you try it doesn’t matter how many times it takes because that was me and I got better and I started this (The Love Project).” She looked up at me with surprise and said, “You started this?”
I said, “Yes. Your experience is going to make you uniquely useful to other women. The worst things that you’ve ever done are gonna be the most helpful to other women. You’ll be able to look at them and tell them ‘I did that too’. Don’t let that shame keep you from getting help.” She wasn’t ready to go anywhere tonight but we will bring her resources next week.
Miss Jay* walked up tonight, using her walker. We have mentioned her before. She walks blocks to get to us each Thursday and crosses busy Summer Avenue as part of her journey. To use the crosswalk would mean a longer walk and Miss Jay can’t afford those extra steps. I found a high visibility vest that someone was getting rid of and gave it to her tonight. I told her she could wear it or put it on her walker, whatever she wants to do. She put it on right then. Now, when she crosses the street, she will be a little safer.
Tonight was a busy night. We served 79 women! There was fruit, hot dogs, slaw, chips, and brownies to fill hungry bellies along with the usual weekly offerings of care bags, water, and feminine supplies.
None of this would be possible without the support of the community. Serving 75-95 women each week is huge and takes countless volunteer hours as well as countless donations. The impact that it makes is undeniable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for caring about the women we serve and helping them to know they are not alone.
This week we are in desperate need of size small and medium summer clothing. Please message us if you have any to donate. Also, one of the photos shows all of the volunteers tonight with some hand fans that were donated. Those will come in very handy this summer if you have any lying around.
❤️- whitney
TLP
