Women Giving Back: Helping Women and Children Take the First Step Toward Stability
Clothing can feel like a basic need until you suddenly don’t have access to it.
For a woman leaving an unsafe situation, a parent trying to provide for growing children, or someone rebuilding after a major life change, having the right clothing can make a real difference.
That is where Women Giving Back comes in.
For our September Nonprofit Highlight, Brickers Foundation journalist Tianna Monet visited the organization’s Sterling, Virginia facility and spoke with Executive Director and CEO Nicole Morris about its programs, growth, and impact throughout Northern Virginia.
Creating an Experience Built Around Dignity
Women Giving Back provides quality clothing to women and children at no cost.
Their boutique currently serves approximately 700 women and children each month, but the experience is about more than simply handing someone a bag of clothes.
Clients are able to shop and choose clothing for themselves.
Morris explained that everything from the clothing placed in the boutique to the way volunteers interact with families is approached with dignity in mind.
“It’s really about the experience and about dignity.”
That choice can matter even more for someone experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, financial hardship, or another major life transition.
Meeting Other Needs in the Community
Women Giving Back has continued adding programs as new needs have emerged.
Its diaper pantry now serves approximately 600 infants each month, providing another essential resource for families.
The organization also offers its Bag-To-Go program for people who cannot easily make it to the boutique. Case workers submit the sizes and needs of a client, and volunteers prepare clothing and essentials for pickup.
Morris shared that many of the women served through the program are domestic violence survivors who may suddenly need an entirely new wardrobe along with basics like underwear, socks, and toiletries.
You can learn more about Women Giving Back’s programs and available assistance.
Powered by Community
Women Giving Back operates with a small staff and a large volunteer community.
Around 3,000 volunteers come through the organization each year to sort donations, stock the boutique, support shopping days, prepare emergency bags, and help with programs and events.
That community support has helped the organization respond when needs change.
Women Giving Back has assisted families affected by local emergencies, supported Afghan evacuees arriving in the region, and built partnerships with schools, shelters, government agencies, and other nonprofits.
It’s also expanding opportunities for education and connection through its Empowerment Hub, creating space for workshops, community resources, and partnerships.
When Support Comes Full Circle
One of the most meaningful parts of the conversation came when Morris talked about former clients returning to Women Giving Back years later.
Only now, they are coming back as volunteers.
Some have even returned with their employers as part of corporate volunteer groups.
Those moments show what that first step toward stability can eventually become.
Women Giving Back may first meet someone because they need clothing, diapers, or emergency support.
The larger impact comes from helping people feel supported, respected, and connected to a community while they move forward.
Learn More
Visit Women Giving Back to learn more about their programs, volunteer opportunities, donation needs, and ways to get involved.
