Who We Are
Mission
Women Giving Back supports women and children in crisis on a first step to stability by providing quality clothing at no cost, assisted by a caring and committed community.
Impact
We proudly watch as our clients persevere, thrive, increase their self-confidence and enable themselves to improve their lives and achieve independence. This increased self-esteem leads to an obvious resilience, poise and pep in their steps. They have their own checklist of to-dos and our job is to get them every step closer:
- Secure a stable roof over their head
- Gain and maintain employment
- Become more financially sound to make ends meet; and then some
- Apply their experiences and opportunities toward learning tools for their children
We watch them move up and away from the hurdles that once held them back. We all have the incredible power to change a woman or child’s life.
One outfit. One conversation. One hug. One act of kindness.
“When you first walk in the building all you see is SMILES. The volunteers go out there to help, talk with you, or provide a hug if needed.”
– Boutique Client
Our History
The Women Giving Back story began in 2007, when the three founders Terri Stagi, Fiona Hughes and Leslie Strittmatter learned just how many barriers women in shelters were facing because they lacked appropriate clothing. They took action, beginning as a program under HomeAid Northern Virginia and operating out of a closet at the Northern Virginia’s Builder Association they began providing free quality clothing to women in need.
In 2011, they moved into their current location in Sterling, Virginia. Embodying the philosophy of women helping women, they set out to create an uplifting place where the women could come to shop for clothing they needed free from financial restraints.
From grassroots humble beginnings, they have grown into an organization that serves more than 25,000 women and children in need every year. They amassed nearly 5,000 dedicated volunteers and 1,300 referral partners throughout the Greater Washington Metro area. Over the past 16 years, Women Giving Back’s programs have grown to meet the expanding and evolving needs of the community it serves.
