Purpose Purses: Celebrating Strength, Honoring Progress

Created for Women, by Women!

The idea for Purpose Purses was sparked by Maria Johnson, a Community Activator at Martha’s Table and a champion for women in re-entry. Maria recognized a gap: while re-entry programs often prioritize men, the unique needs of women, like emotional support and dignity-centered care, are often overlooked.

Purpose Purses fills that gap.

Each woman graduating from programs like the READY (Resources to Empower and Develop You) Center re-entry program receives a beautiful handbag filled with self-care items, practical tools, resource connections to all Martha’s Table programs, and most importantly, a handwritten message of affirmation from someone in the community.

“These women are doing the work. They’ve already made the choice to move forward. The Purpose Purse is just one way to say: We see you. We celebrate you. And we believe in you.” – Maria Johnson, Martha’s Table Community Activator

Purpose Purses has already distributed over 100 purses to the women in our community, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!

This isn’t just about fashion. It’s about stepping into life with purpose. It’s about connection. It’s about honoring who these women already are and the powerful futures they’re building.

Every Purpose Purse represents one more woman walking boldly into her next chapter with confidence and community at her back.

Here’s how you can be a part:

• Donate a new or gently used purse to Martha’s Outfitters.
• Sponsor a Purpose Purse for $25 to help us continue this work.
• Write a note of affirmation to be tucked into a Purpose Purse
  • Please drop off or mail your handwritten affirmation to Martha’s Table at The Commons; 2357 Elvans Rd SE Washington, DC 20020

Small actions can have a big impact. When we come together as a community to celebrate women’s progress, transformation happens!