Frequently Asked Questions
We are located inside the Ujima Friends Peace Center at 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., Suite 1103, Philadelphia, PA, 19132. (There is also a large parking lot across from the building available for use. If you will join us for the first time, Call 215-385-0214 or email us at PASHI.global@gmail.com to let us know in advance.)
No, the Pan African Sisterhood Health Initiative works with anyone who is willing to learn about Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), reproductive health, and life skills.
We meet every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. (Please check for any cancellations due to severe weather; typically, if the School District of Philadelphia is closed, P.A.S.H.I will also be closed.)
No, we do not sell reusable menstrual pads.
You can click on the donate button or text to donate. P.A.S.H.I is also seeking sponsors and grants. If you wish to send a check, please make it out to Ujima Friends Peace Center and write "P.A.S.H.I" in the memo section. All checks should be mailed to:
Pan African Sisterhood Health Initiative
P.O. Box #64
17 Civic Circle
Merion Station, PA 19066.
No, you do not need to know how to sew or have a sewing machine. There are many tasks that volunteers can assist with, such as ironing, organizing, pinning, matching fabric, cutting fabric, and more. We also provide instruction on how to sew on-site.
We can communicate individually if you email us at PASHI.global@gmail.com. People can ship us fabric; however, we need to discuss in advance what type of fabric it is. We use a customized design pattern and cut it with an AccuQuilt die cutter to ensure uniformity. We adhere to best practice products called Zorb and PUL. Every step of the pad-making process is checked for quality assurance, so remote work creates challenges unless individuals are trained by us and produce the items to our standards. While we are open to remote work, we must maintain consistency, quality assurance, and cost-effectiveness. You can also support us from afar by donating to the Pan African Sisterhood Health Initiative.
Yes, here is a link with Free instructions that can be found online.
https://theecofriendlyfamily.com/mama-cloth-plus-free-patterns/
PASHI’s reusable pads are constructed to last multiple years with the proper laundry care.
• They can be washed similar to however someone washes their underwear and clothes.
• Soak and use detergent to clean.
• Air dry
• Do not iron or use heat of any kind. Heat will melt the water-resistant fabric that serves as a barrier.
Organizations and individuals can reach out to P.A.S.H.I by contacting our Coordinator, Mama Maisha Sullivan Ongoza, at PASHI.global@gmail.com or by calling 215-385-0214. We support people locally, nationally, and globally, prioritizing school-aged children. We teach life skills to middle and high school students locally. We also assist projects that work with the Unhoused locally.