We are compelled by a simple verse…
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your Power to Act.
Psalms 3:27
We offer justice by creating opportunity within local and global communities to deliver practical kindness to vulnerable women. We consider it unjust that women in our local communities do not possess basic items such as daily hygiene products or simple household necessities. Women in global communities face unjustifiable circumstance due to a lack resources to rise out of poverty or vital care to escape trafficking. We believe that practical kindness meets the basic physical needs of the recipient, and when basic needs are met joy arises, hope is delivered, and dignity is restored.
By offering volunteer, community engagement, donor, and marketplace opportunities we meet the basic needs of vulnerable women by building purposeful partnerships locally and globally. With the support of many, Power to Act delivers practical kindness through a Purse with Purpose, a sensible, needs-based handbag, donated to women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence in SW Colorado and handcrafted by women in our global communities in India and Cambodia.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your Power to Act.
Psalms 3:27
We offer justice by creating opportunity within local and global communities to deliver practical kindness to vulnerable women. We consider it unjust that women in our local communities do not possess basic items such as daily hygiene products or simple household necessities. Women in global communities face unjustifiable circumstance due to a lack resources to rise out of poverty or vital care to escape trafficking. We believe that practical kindness meets the basic physical needs of the recipient, and when basic needs are met joy arises, hope is delivered, and dignity is restored.
By offering volunteer, community engagement, donor, and marketplace opportunities we meet the basic needs of vulnerable women by building purposeful partnerships locally and globally. With the support of many, Power to Act delivers practical kindness through a Purse with Purpose, a sensible, needs-based handbag, donated to women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence in SW Colorado and handcrafted by women in our global communities in India and Cambodia.
Monthly MealA monthly catered dinner.
We desire to stay rooted in our local community. Our team of trained volunteers host a monthly catered dinner for the women and children residing at the domestic violence safe house located in Durango, CO. The purpose of the evening is simply to gather around the dinner table, connect with some deserving women and children, and share a meal together.
We are currently looking for Dinner Sponsors to support this program by providing the funds for one full course meal or a portion thereof for the residents. |
Heavenly HandbagA handbag filled with daily hygiene products.
On a monthly basis we donate Heavenly Handbags, which are purposefully distributed to local nonprofit recipients who serve homeless women or victims of domestic violence. Each handbag is generously filled with shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, body pouf, body lotion, chap-stick, and a hair brush. We also include gifts of encouragement such as nail polish, perfume, or refreshing body scrubs.
We partner with ethical organizations from around the globe who aid and assist vulnerable women. Each handbag we donate is crafted by women rising from poverty or rescued from trafficking. The handbags featured in our SHOP help support this program. |
Home HandbagA market tote filled with household essentials.
On a monthly basis we assemble and donate Home Handbags to victims of domestic violence transitioning out of homelessness. A market tote is filled with household essentials to ensure each recipient feels welcomed and established in their new home. Each market tote is generously filled with general kitchen items, home cleaning supplies, laundry items, and household paper products.
We partner with ethical organizations from around the globe who aid and assist vulnerable women. Each market tote we donate is crafted by women rising from poverty or rescued from trafficking. The market totes featured in our SHOP help support this program. |
Process
How our handbags get from you to them.
Diagram Breakdown
Local Partners
Allow us to introduce you to some of our local community partners who provide Power to Act with valuable support. Our great capacity to give could not be fulfilled without their generous contribution of their products or services. We are grateful for their belief in our mission and purposeful investment into our organization.
1ST Baptist Church of Durango
Event host gathering daily hygiene products placed inside each handbag.
Event host gathering daily hygiene products placed inside each handbag.
About Us
Founder + Director : Kristen Carico
I am an architect, turned barista, turned…dream builder. For it is my dream to see Power to Act thrive, serving homeless women and victims of domestic violence in rural communities across the region of SW Colorado, the state of Colorado, and even the nation. I have been dreaming this dream alongside my family since 2010.
My husband, Nick, has been my most ardent supporter since I donated the first batch of handbags. He is a grounding force because it is hard dwelling with a dreamer since I am in constant state of bigger, more, and “what’s next?” From the day my kids were born they have always known their mom in a state of service – packaging hygiene products on the living room floor, continually browsing the handbag section of stores, pitstops at the local community shelter, regularly serving dinner for “the girls,” sorting and re-sorting hygiene products in the corner of our garage. The prosperity of this organization flows out of the constant support of my family. Believe it or not, this whole dream stemmed from one simple question I asked myself in 2009, “How can I use my favorite accessory, handbags, to serve others?” One simple phone call to the local community homeless shelter later and arrangements were made to deliver the first ten handbags filled with sixteen daily hygiene products. After establishing a bi-monthly donation schedule I haven’t stopped donating Purposeful handbags, a Purse with Purpose. Serving others through a practical gift, connecting with them in conversation, sharing a common experience brings deep satisfaction to my spirit. As we commonly hear, it is better to give than receive, and based on my personal experience I would have to agree. I am not sure I ever envisioned what the life of a dream builder might look like, based on the outcome, I will say that I wouldn’t have any other way. Living this one beautiful life paired with a dream has been a worthy pursuit. I am grateful that you stopped by for a visit to learn more about the works of Power to Act. I certainly hope there is something about this dream that inspires you and I pray that you choose to pursue the dream that lies within your heart. |