COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Last updated April 15, 2020

Cycle Forward recognizes that due to the shutdown of all Illinois schools, teens throughout our Chicago service area have been cut off from the free supplies they used to receive at school, and we are trying to help…Cycle Forward has reached out to several schools and pantries and is working hard to find ways to drop off menstrual products to be handed out to the students who need them at the same locations where students pick up their school replacement meals.

Although we have experienced difficulties in obtaining supplies from our vendors, and we cannot hold period product drives or events to supplement our supply due to social distancing, Cycle Forward has been doing everything possible to keep our partner organizations stocked with the menstrual products they need for their clients, especially students. Our goal is for all under-resourced women and teens to menstruate with dignity, even in the midst of this pandemic and the supply/demand disparities it has created. 

Cycle Forward’s High School Outreach program has been put on hold due to the high schools being closed, however we are working on a virtual presentation to be shared with service clubs, civics classes and health classes at a number of schools in order to continue our mission to raise awareness about period poverty and to working toward solutions for achieving menstrual equity. 

Thank you to all of our friends for both your encouragement and support! 

XO, Sophie & the Cycle Forward Team