I Support the Girls - Delaware
Mission: Through an international network of Affiliates, I Support the Girls (ISTG) collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women and folx experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity.
About I Support the Girls - Delaware
Mission: Mission: Through an international network of Affiliates, I Support the Girls (ISTG) collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women and folx experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity.
No one should have to choose between their next hot meal or a package of maxi pads. And maxi pads should never stand in the way of the next steps in pursuing a better future. But, for homeless women and others impacted by other forms of chronic trauma, this is simply a reality.
I Support the Girls is an international organization, which began in one woman's basement as a passion project to donate critical items to women in need. ISTG is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, and was founded in July 2015 by Dana Marlowe. There are more than 50 Affiliates across the United States and around the globe.
The Delaware Affiliate of ISTG was founded in January, 2023 by Linda Willimer. Linda previously had been the founding Affiliate Director of ISTG, Central/South New Jersey (2018). After relocating to Delaware, she began the work of bringing ISTG to Sussex County. A team of amazing volunteers came together and ISTG-DE was soon servicing 18 organizations, including The Shepherd's Office, Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. (DAPI), What Is Your Voice, Higher Ground, Do Care Doula Foundation, Milford Advocacy for Homeless, Pathways to Success, The Giving Cellar, Springboard Collaborative, Rehoboth Community Resource Center, First State Community Reform, and others.
Now in it's third year, ISTG-DE Affiliate Directore, Lisa Sumstine, has been instrumental in expanding outreach into Kent and New Castle counties through a partnership with a non-profit delivery service that began in October, 2024. We have begun to work with many schools to provide Period Packs to distribute to students in need. A very successful, 2nd annual MLK Day Pack Party was held on January 20th with over 120 local volunteers coming together for 4 hours to pack tampons and pads for distribution, hundreds of Period Packs and Blessing Bags, as well as underwear and socks. A new "Adopt-a-Bin" program is being launched that will pair a local business who will host a collection bin in their workplace with a volunteer who will pickup donations, maintain the space, and establish a working partnership with said business. Numerous connections are being made as we partner with other non-profits to service the needs of all women throughout the State of Delaware.
2025 is looking very bright for women, folx, and organizations serviced by ISTG-DE. A goal to distribute 250,000 pieces/products has been set, up from 172,145 last year. We know we can do it!!
I Support the Girls is an international organization, which began in one woman's basement as a passion project to donate critical items to women in need. ISTG is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, and was founded in July 2015 by Dana Marlowe. There are more than 50 Affiliates across the United States and around the globe.
The Delaware Affiliate of ISTG was founded in January, 2023 by Linda Willimer. Linda previously had been the founding Affiliate Director of ISTG, Central/South New Jersey (2018). After relocating to Delaware, she began the work of bringing ISTG to Sussex County. A team of amazing volunteers came together and ISTG-DE was soon servicing 18 organizations, including The Shepherd's Office, Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. (DAPI), What Is Your Voice, Higher Ground, Do Care Doula Foundation, Milford Advocacy for Homeless, Pathways to Success, The Giving Cellar, Springboard Collaborative, Rehoboth Community Resource Center, First State Community Reform, and others.
Now in it's third year, ISTG-DE Affiliate Directore, Lisa Sumstine, has been instrumental in expanding outreach into Kent and New Castle counties through a partnership with a non-profit delivery service that began in October, 2024. We have begun to work with many schools to provide Period Packs to distribute to students in need. A very successful, 2nd annual MLK Day Pack Party was held on January 20th with over 120 local volunteers coming together for 4 hours to pack tampons and pads for distribution, hundreds of Period Packs and Blessing Bags, as well as underwear and socks. A new "Adopt-a-Bin" program is being launched that will pair a local business who will host a collection bin in their workplace with a volunteer who will pickup donations, maintain the space, and establish a working partnership with said business. Numerous connections are being made as we partner with other non-profits to service the needs of all women throughout the State of Delaware.
2025 is looking very bright for women, folx, and organizations serviced by ISTG-DE. A goal to distribute 250,000 pieces/products has been set, up from 172,145 last year. We know we can do it!!
County Served: Kent; New Castle; Sussex
Office Location(s): Milton
Sector: Women's Issues