For SHE Leads Group, empowering women extends beyond professional connections—it also means finding meaningful ways to support women in their community.
SHE Leads is a women’s networking organization focused on building relationships, encouraging professional growth and creating opportunities for women to connect and make an impact. Through initiatives like the SHE Leads Purse Project, members put that spirit of connection into action by supporting women experiencing homelessness and other difficult circumstances.
The Purse Project began in Denver in 2020 with a simple idea: women supporting women. Each year, SHE Leads members collect new and gently used purses and fill them with personal-care essentials and small gifts. Practical items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental supplies, soap, period products and socks are paired with thoughtful extras such as jewelry, makeup or other items that can help a woman feel special.
The Purse Project made its way to Catholic Charities Samaritan House again on August 17, marking the fourth year of a partnership that began when SHE Leads reached out with a desire to support the women we serve. Since then, the organization has returned each year with thoughtfully filled purses for Samaritan House participants.
This year, four SHE Leads members came to Samaritan House to personally distribute the gifts. While members who participate in the annual visit may vary from year to year, Erin Glombecki has remained a steady point of contact, helping coordinate the Purse Project and strengthen the relationship with Samaritan House.
The SHE Leads team manages the project from beginning to end. Members create their own promotional materials, collect and prepare the purses, organize the donations and then bring them directly to the participants they are intended to encourage. Their continued commitment has made the Purse Project a meaningful annual tradition at Samaritan House.
This year’s visit included not only the thoughtfully prepared purses but also trays of cookies for the residents to enjoy. As the SHE Leads members entered Samaritan House, participants lined the hallway, eagerly awaiting their turn. Participants came out joyfully to receive their purses, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere throughout the shelter.
The evening became an opportunity to reach Samaritan House participants in a simple but meaningful reminder, that they are cared for.
A purse may seem like an ordinary gift, but each one carries more than personal-care items. It carries necessities, small comforts and thoughtful touches chosen specifically with women in mind. It also carries a message of dignity: you matter, you are worth caring for and you have not been forgotten.
Catholic Charities offers a variety of donation drives, giving individuals, families, parishes, schools and businesses an opportunity to get involved and directly support our Colorado neighbors. From school supplies and essential items to the Women’s Care Project, which collects new undergarments and hygiene products for women at Samaritan House, these drives help meet everyday needs across our ministries.
To get involved, visit: ccdenver.org/donation-drives to learn more about our current donation drives and how you can make a difference.