Chair’s Choice: Women’s Empowerment Charity

TRSA Chair Noël Hammer Richardson will complete her two-year term next month, and TRSA members are encouraged to show their appreciation by donating to Richardson’s charity of choice, Women’s Empowerment, based in her hometown of Sacramento, CA.

The selection of a preferred charity by an outgoing TRSA chair is a tradition at the association. In this case, Richardson, president and CEO of Shasta Linen Supply, Sacramento, chose Women’s Empowerment because of its focus on helping women gain their independence. The mission of Women’s Empowerment is to enable women who are experiencing homelessness to gain the skills they need to get jobs, maintain healthy lifestyles and regain homes for themselves and their children. As TRSA’s first female chair, Richardson’s choice is particularly appropriate. For 20 years, Women’s Empowerment has helped women and their children break the cycle of poverty and achieve self-reliance. The organization provides education, counseling, essential services and more, in a safe and nurturing environment where all are treated with dignity and respect.

TRSA will acknowledge Richardson during the Lifetime Achievement, Volunteer Leadership & Board Recognition Dinner on Sept. 15, the closing night of TRSA’s 109^th Annual Conference , in Nashville, TN. Attendees and other industry colleagues may donate to Women’s Empowerment to recognize Richardson’s leadership during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, which continues to place significant burdens on linen, uniform and facility services companies across North America.

Donors can go online to give in any amount they choose to Women’s Empowerment. Shasta Linen Supply has pledged to match up to $10,000 dollars for any money donated to the organization in honor of Richardson between now and Sept. 30.