From giving to changing: How charity becomes a form of power in the Imperial Valley
—
For centuries, women have been at the forefront of charitable work, often filling the gaps left by institutions that fail to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
Yet, too often, their labor—both emotional and physical—is dismissed as expected, natural, or simply “women’s work.” When women lead in charity, they are actively reshaping society, redistributing power, and challenging systems of inequality.
Women-led charity is about building a future where women and marginalized communities don’t have to rely on charity in the first place.
Frommotherhoodtomovement:HowCody’sClosetbecameacommunitylifeline
ForHeatherWhite,founderofCody’sCloset,acharitystartedwithasimplebutpowerfulrealization:womenseewhatneedstobedone—andtheydoit.
Whatbeganasapersonalmissiontodonatehouseholdessentialssoongrewintoanorganizedefforttoprovidecriticalsupporttofamiliesincrisis.
“Cody’sClosetstartedbecauseIwentona365-daycampaigntohelpothers,”Whiterecalls.“Peoplestarteddonatingitems,andsoon,myhou
