What is period poverty? According to Project Flow’s website, “Period poverty” is described as “the prevalent problem of being unable to afford the necessary period products (pads, tampons, etc) when needed during a female's monthly period.” Millions of women in the United States live in poverty and are not able to purchase period products. One in five girls miss school because they do not have period products. Yet, 35 out of 50 states tax pads and tampons because they are considered non-essential goods. This is why Tiara Missey, senior at North Augusta High School, started Project Flow.
“I started Project Flow after becoming aware of the constantly growing period poverty epidemic,” said Missey. “I created [it] with the mission to assist those who struggle to properly take care of themselves during their monthly cycles due to “period poverty.”” Missey started her project back in July after she got the idea in June when she applied for the #BlackGirlJoy challenge from the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. Missey started the project completely on her own. She said, “It was definitely a challenge to start up. I had to develop the website alone, as well as the fundamental foundation of the project. But I have established a board of directors that have helped work wonders and take the load off of just me alone.” Her board of directors consists of senior Jacobie Owens as the Project Coordinator, Sevena Scott-Hein as the Vice President, Kimberly Latimore as the Secretary, and Beverlee Nichols as the Community Liaison Chair, with Tiara Missey as the Founder and President.
To help women in need, Missey and her board make packages filled with period supplies. These are sent out to those who fill out the recipient application on the Project Flow website. “So far, we have donated 20 actual packages with 24 pads each and other supplies in it,” said Missey. Additionally, on the application page, there is a donation application. This is for people and businesses who want to donate money or period products to help the cause. Missey did not stop there. She also partnered with another project to further help end period poverty, saying, “Plus, we have partnered with another project, Project Outstretched Hands, to donate 64 ziplocks of four pads and tampons each!”
Missey has worked hard to help end period poverty, and she is very proud of her project. More information about Missey and Project Flow can be found on the Project Flow website or Instagram. Furthermore, Project Flow can be contacted at 803-877-7812 or projectflow101@gmail.com. Furthermore, the Project Flow website has information and applications for those in need of period projects or for those who wish to donate to the cause.
Pictured: Tiara Missey
Photo Credit: Greer Worley
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