Loveland nonprofit looks to fight period poverty in the suburbs
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: Courtesy of Impacting Tomorrow
Loveland-based Impacting Tomorrow is expanding its free menstrual products program, Carry Her, into more Greater Cincinnati suburbs, with 14 additional school districts in discussions to participate.
Why it matters: Period poverty — the inability to afford menstrual products — can keep students out of class. A 2024 Toledo study found 9.4% of students surveyed missed school because they lacked menstrual products.
Driving the news: Carry Her launched in July 2025 and has grown to serving 22 Cincinnati schools and the Lockland and Milford districts.
- West Clermont is expected to be next, and the community services nonprofit hopes to expand into Warren and Butler counties, says Ken Tracy, who co-founded Impacting Tomorrow with his wife, Libby.
About 5.9% of Warren County children live below the federal poverty level, per Cincinnati Children's. It's 13.1% in Butler County.
- "Financial hardship doesn't recognize ZIP codes," Tracy tells Axios.
Between the lines: Cost isn't the only barrier.
- Students may lack menstrual products when needed or feel embarrassed asking for help.
How it works: Carry Her provides free menstrual products in school bathrooms and offices so students can access them without having to ask a teacher or staff member.
- "Every young woman deserves to walk into school with dignity, confidence, and the ability to focus on learning, regardless of where she lives," Tracy says.
What's next: The nonprofit plans monthly supplies and will track attendance, confidence and classroom engagement as it develops a model for expansion.
- "Our goal isn't simply to distribute products," Tracy says. "It's to help young women stay in school, build confidence and reach their full potential."