South University in Montgomery, Alabama, and Women In Training (WIT), Inc. began a partnership in September 2024 to support WIT's mission to help end period poverty so all girls and women can live happy and fulfilled lives engaged in academic, extracurricular and professional development activities.
"The values of Women In Training, Inc. perfectly align with South University's mission of community engagement and support," said Kenneth Macon, South University Montgomery Campus Director and Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations. "We're honored to work alongside Women in Training, Inc. to address these critical needs for the young women in our city."
South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. South University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
In two months, South University Nursing and Physical Therapy Assistant students helped the Monarchs, who are high school girls in the WIT Leadership Development Academy, and other volunteers, shop for and pack 350 WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies for menstruators in need.
Julie Turner Beard, City of Montgomery Councilor, and Cubie Rae Hayes, President of Citizens That Care, Inc. presented a check to Women in Training, Inc. to support the WITKITS giveaway event.
"I am honored to sponsor Women in Training, Inc.," said Councilor Beard. "There is such a critical need for our young women today to be prepared with everything they need on a daily basis. WIT goes beyond the goal to make sure supplies are given out on a regular basis. The WITKITS program brings a small bag of hope and necessity for young women."
Each WITKIT is a butterfly-branded, zippered canvas bag filled with a full-size pack of Always period products by Procter & Gamble, full sizes of body wash or soap, shampoo and conditioner, bath loofahs, deodorant, lotion, toothbrushes, tooth paste, dental floss, a pair of warm, fuzzy socks, and a handmade beaded bracelet decorated with a butterfly emblem and an inspiring word, such as love, peace, beauty or power.
On November 2, 2024, WIT Governance Committee Chairwoman Dana Taunton, Esq. of Beasley Allen Law Firm, joined WIT Founders, Breanna and Brooke Bennett, and Na'Ziah Harris, a WITKITS recipient, in distributing 100 WITKITS at South University campus. Na'Ziah is a seventh grader at Goodwyn Middle School, and is a member of St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church.
"WIT's vision of empowering young women to thrive in their environment and grow in confidence is inspirational and exciting," Ms. Taunton said. "I am grateful and honored to be a small part of this tremendous organization and in working with my fellow Board members, donors and team of volunteers to further Women in Training, Inc.'s goals."
WIT volunteers distributed the popular WITKITS to community members, South University students and girls in Ms. Sheyann Webb Christburg's Young Ladies of Class Mentorship and Debutante Program.
Bradley Bennett, WIT Vice President, and Elizabeth Johnson Sellers, WIT Board Secretary and Social Media Manager, distributed 250 WITKITS to community members at the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival. The celebration, attended by more than 500 girls and community members, took place on September 28, 2024, at the City of Montgomery Union Station Train Shed.
On November 5, 2024, Breanna and Brooke distributed the popular WITKITS to South University students.
Simone Butler, Chair of the International Awareness and Involvement Committee of the Montgomery (AL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., coordinated the delivery of Always sanitary pads donated by members of the chapter.
Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped to provide logistical support for the WITKITS giveaway events for International Day of the Girl Child Festival and at South University in Montgomery.
"When the Savior walked the Earth, He paid special attention to the needs of women," says regional leader President Jared McLaughlin. "As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we strive to follow His example to uplift, minister to and support women. We are always glad to link arms with Women in Training, Inc. on projects that help women gain the education and life-skills they need to succeed."
"It truly takes a village to fulfill the Women in Training, Inc. mission,"said Ms. Adeyela Bennett, President and Chief Engagement Officer, Women in Training, Inc. "We are grateful to South University for working in partnership with us on this giveaway event to support girls and young women in our community who need menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies to fully participate in their daily lives. Together, we can end period poverty!"
One in four American girls and young women skip school or miss work because they cannot afford sanitary pads or tampons to stay healthy and clean during their period. To alleviate period poverty, Women in Training, Inc. teenage twin co-founders, Breanna and Brooke Bennett, inspired and successfully advocated for the unanimous passage of Alabama State Rep. Rolanda Hollis’ HB 50 that allocates $400,000 annually to Title I schools to provide menstrual supplies for more than 56,000 menstruating girls statewide.
To support Women in Training, Inc.'s mission to help end period poverty, please click the button below.