Empowering Local Women: The impact of ‘I Support the Girls’ in Tampa Bay
TAMPA (BLOOM) – In the heart of Tampa Bay, an organization is making a significant difference in the lives of women facing challenging circumstances. I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay, a vital affiliate of the global I Support the Girls network, is on a mission to uphold dignity and foster empowerment. By distributing essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, they ensure that those experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress can stand tall with confidence.
Meet Nancy Blount: The Heart Behind the Mission
At the helm of I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay is Nancy Blount, a visionary leader and the Affiliate Director whose dedication and passion fuel the organization’s mission. Nancy’s journey with ISTG began from a deep-rooted commitment to empower women and those in need, ensuring they have access to essential items that many take for granted.
Under Nancy’s guidance, ISTG-TB has blossomed into a beacon of hope and support within the Tampa Bay community. Her leadership is not just about coordinating donations or forging partnerships; it’s about creating a network of compassion and dignity that uplifts every individual it touches. Nancy embodies the spirit of the organization, driving initiatives that have led to the distribution of hundreds of thousands of menstrual hygiene products, bras, and pairs of underwear to those in need.
Her approach is hands-on, heartfelt, and holistic, ensuring that the contributions ISTG-TB makes are meaningful and impactful. Nancy’s ability to inspire her team, mobilize volunteers, and engage the community is pivotal to the organization’s success. Through her tireless efforts, she has helped to weave a tapestry of support that extends far beyond the tangible items provided, fostering a sense of belonging, self-respect, and hope among recipients.
Nancy’s work is a testament to the power of compassionate leadership. She doesn’t just see the immediate need; she envisions a future where dignity is accessible to all, and every woman and person in distress can stand tall, empowered by the support of their community. As the Affiliate Director, Nancy is not only a figure of organizational leadership but also a symbol of the change and positivity that ISTG-TB champions in Tampa Bay and beyond.
Inspirational Beginnings: Nancy Blount’s Journey with ISTG
The spark that ignited Nancy Blount’s dedication to I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay was a segment on Mike Rowe’s YouTube channel, “Returning the Favor,” featuring Dana Marlowe and the impactful work she was doing for homeless women in the D.C. area. Inspired by this, and leveraging her experience as a Guardian ad Litem, Nancy understood the profound effects of poverty and homelessness on her community. Her firsthand interactions with those affected motivated her to reach out to ISTG, setting her on a path of advocacy and support that has now spanned five years, marking a journey filled with compassion, dedication, and transformative community impact.
Impactful Outreach: A Legacy of Support
As one of the 50 dedicated affiliates, I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay has touched the lives of many within the community. Their outreach extends to a diverse group, including homeless shelters, migrant farmworkers, and victims of various adversities, ensuring that the basic needs of dignity are met. Since its inception in 2019, the organization has proudly distributed over 460,000 menstrual hygiene items, 32,000 bras, and 20,000 pairs of underwear, benefiting 235 local service agencies and echoing the global mission of donating 26,000,000 products worldwide.
Transformative Impact: Stories of Empowerment and Dignity
The stories of those touched by ISTG-TB are as impactful as they are heartwarming. Among them, the migrant farmworkers in Plant City stand out, with their expressions of sheer gratitude illuminating the power of a simple gesture. Receiving items like bras and hygiene products, often for the first time, these women share the joy of dignity restored, a sentiment echoed across communities, from students overcoming social barriers to individuals rekindling their self-esteem. Each account underscores the profound difference ISTG-TB makes in their lives, transforming everyday essentials into lifelines of hope and empowerment.
Voices of Gratitude: Testimonials That Touch the Heart
The impact of I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay resonates deeply within the community, as evidenced by the heartfelt testimonials from those they’ve helped. Donors and recipients alike share stories of gratitude, emphasizing the profound difference these essential items make. From individuals overcoming personal hardships to young students and recently released inmates, the testimonials highlight the transformative effect of the organization’s work, showcasing how something as simple as a new bra or personal hygiene items can restore self-esteem and renew hope.
One donor’s message eloquently shares their personal connection to the cause: “Dear Nancy, I want to express my gratitude for everything your organization does for women in need. I was one of those women for a season in my life. I, too, was in need of undergarments but was too embarrassed to ask anyone for assistance. I recovered from my homelessness and have been blessed more than I ever imagined.” This narrative not only highlights the personal impact but also reflects the shared experiences of many who benefit from the organization’s work.
In another heartfelt note, a donor recalls a poignant donation: “My daughter recently passed away, and I have many of her bras and sports bras I’d like to donate. I’m thrilled to find your organization – she would be thrilled to know they will benefit those in need!” Such messages underscore the meaningful connections forged through the act of giving, resonating with a sense of communal healing and support.
The appreciation extends to the recipients as well, where the impact of kindness is immediately felt. “Our client was recently released from incarceration with only the clothing she went in with. Your donation of new bras, underwear, makeup, and toiletries brought a smile to her face. She told me she had never owned a new bra, let alone one so beautiful. Thank you for restoring her dignity,” shares a service agency, highlighting how essential items can uplift spirits and restore self-respect.
School staff members also witness the joy their students feel when they receive these critical supplies: “Thank you so much for the bras, undergarments, and supplies you sent to River Ridge for one of my needy students! She was sooo happy when I gave her the box! She immediately changed her clothes and said ‘WOW, this feels so much better!’. Her comfort has increased in school and therefore she is more engaged in her academics!”
Another testimony reveals the empowering nature of the organization’s work: “We can’t express our immense gratitude and appreciation. All of our girls loved this activity so much – I truly believe it is because of how calm, sensitive, and compassionate you were with our girls in teaching them how to be correctly fitted for a bra. Please know that the act itself may have seemed small to you, but was truly impactful. Every one of our girls left with a smile on their faces and a renewed confidence.”
These stories showcase the ripple effect of kindness, as I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay not only meets immediate physical needs but also instills a sense of hope and self-worth in those they assist. The organization’s commitment to dignity and care resonates throughout the Tampa Bay community, turning everyday items into tools of empowerment and symbols of shared humanity.
Joining Hands: Community and Connection
I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay is more than an organization; it’s a community catalyst, fostering connections and building bridges across various sectors in Tampa Bay. By accommodating all organizations that reach out for support, they exemplify a commitment to communal well-being and shared progress. Their work not only addresses immediate physical needs but also champions the dignity of those they serve, leaving a lasting imprint of kindness and support in the Tampa Bay area.
A Call to Action: How You Can Help
The story of I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay is one of compassion, resilience, and community spirit. As they continue to provide essential support and uplift those in need, the call for donations and support echoes louder. Engage with this incredible mission by donating products, volunteering time, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that dignity and care reach every corner of our community.
The Power of Your Contribution: A Ripple Effect of Dignity
Nancy emphasizes a poignant reality: no one should have to choose between basic necessities like a meal or menstrual products. The stories from the community, from students to the previously homeless, highlight how vital these items are and the significant impact they hold. Every donation, no matter how small, extends beyond the physical—it fosters confidence, ensures participation in daily life, and restores dignity. This simple act of giving empowers the most vulnerable, enabling them to stand tall and reclaim a sense of normalcy and respect.
Donation Information
Looking to make a difference in the Tampa Bay community? Supporting I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay is a direct way to impact the lives of women in need. Here’s how you can contribute:
Send Your Donations By Mail: You can mail new or gently used bras, sealed menstrual hygiene products, and new underwear to:
I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay
8662 Pelican Court,
Seminole, FL 33777
Donation Drop-Offs: For local residents wishing to drop off donations personally, contact Nancy to receive information on drop-off locations and arrangements.
Amazon Wish List: Prefer to donate items online? Check out our Amazon Wish List to purchase essential products that will go directly to those in need: I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay Amazon Wish List.
Get in Touch: For any inquiries, or to find out more about how you can help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nancy Blount, Affiliate Director, at:
Phone: 727-510-2263
Email: istg.tampabay@gmail.com
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