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Free purses for Mother’s Day

Group distributes about 50 purses to disadvantaged  women at the YWCA who are facing challenges.

Erin Stolle (right) a member of Cincinnati Mothers & More, watches as Hamilton YWCA residents (from left) Tonya Cope, Brenda Chavez and Vicky Stone look through donated purses Thursday, May 6, at the Hamilton YWCA.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Erin Stolle (right) a member of Cincinnati Mothers & More, watches as Hamilton YWCA residents (from left) Tonya Cope, Brenda Chavez and Vicky Stone look through donated purses Thursday, May 6, at the Hamilton YWCA.

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 7:27 AM Friday, May 7, 2010

HAMILTON — About 50 women at the YWCA Hamilton received free purses for Mother’s Day.

Cincinnati Mothers & More donated 80 purses filled with toiletries, makeup and other items to the YWCA Thursday, May 6, to help disadvantaged women served by the YWCA.

“We believe that a purse is a symbolic of a woman’s economic power,” said Kim Skindzier, co-leader of the Cincinnati Chapter of Mothers & More. “There is power in your purse — to have money of your own control, to buy things and provide for yourself and your children, even to help you feel put together.”

The YWCA serves women who are homeless, mentally ill, victims of domestic violence and struggling financially. Many are working to get back on their feet to reunite with their children.

“They’re really excited about being able to have a purse of their own,” said Christa Carnahan, YWCA residence director.

“Some of the women don’t have purses because they’ve come straight from jail. A lot of our residents come here with only the clothes on their backs and are trying to rebuild their lives.”

Mothers & More Advocacy and Community Outreach Director Holly Rush-Earle said she hopes the purses make Mother’s Day special for the women at the YWCA.

“Motherhood is a difficult job when you’re not facing these tough challenges. We hope this makes Mother’s Day special for these moms and a start of economic independence.”

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