Neighborhood House: Keep a Clean Mind
At Neighborhood House, Sequoia Hardin, Emani Perkins and Abaigail Wilson saw a simple need with a profound impact. Their project, Keep a Clean Mind, provides hygiene supplies and self-care resources to community members facing hardship, helping remove barriers that can affect both physical health and mental well-being. Selected as one of five winners of the Youth-Led Grantmaking Project, the team received $4,000 to expand access to essential resources while reminding people that everyone deserves to feel cared for, confident and supported.
What is your project?
Keep a Clean Mind is a community-driven initiative focused on providing hygiene supplies and self-care resources to individuals who may not have consistent access to them. The project will distribute hygiene kits filled with essentials like soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, sanitary products and other personal care items.
The team plans to serve approximately 40 women, men and children through a community outreach event at Garden Park and through partnerships with local shelters. Along with distributing supplies, the project aims to promote self-care, dignity and overall well-being. If additional resources are available, the team hopes to include laundromat access and transportation support.
How does this project benefit the community?
Access to basic hygiene products can have a significant impact on a person's physical health, mental well-being and self-confidence. Keep a Clean Mind offers practical support to community members experiencing hardship.
Beyond providing essential items, the project creates opportunities for connection, compassion and encouragement. By helping people meet basic needs, the team hopes to strengthen community well-being and remind individuals that they are seen, valued and supported.
What are your goals?
This project focuses on Youth Leadership and Mental Health.
Youth Leadership
Young people will organize donation efforts, coordinate volunteers, assemble hygiene kits and help lead distribution events. Through the project, they will gain experience in community outreach, teamwork and leadership.
Mental Health
The project recognizes the connection between self-care and emotional well-being. Hygiene kits, positive messages and supportive interactions are designed to help recipients feel confident, respected and cared for.
What does success look like?
The team hopes to assemble and distribute at least 40 hygiene kits and reach at least 40 community members through outreach efforts. Success also includes partnering with local shelters and organizations, engaging youth volunteers and increasing access to basic hygiene resources.
Just as important are the less measurable outcomes: helping people feel more confident, supported and connected to their community.
How are young people involved?
Youth are leading the project from planning through implementation. They will organize donation drives, connect with community partners, collect and sort supplies, assemble the hygiene kits and support distribution efforts.
Neighborhood House staff will provide guidance and support, but young people will drive the project and play a central role in making it happen.
How will the funding be used?
The $4,000 grant will support the purchase of hygiene supplies, reusable bags, water bottles and personal care items that will be distributed through the project. Funding may also help provide transportation assistance and laundromat access for community members, expanding the project's reach and impact. Additional resources will support outreach efforts and ensure each hygiene kit is thoughtfully assembled to meet essential needs.