top of page
IMG_1966_edited_edited.jpg

Our Story

SASS (Sistahs About Something Serious) was founded in 2005 by a group of passionate mothers, aunts, and Godmothers who saw the need for a supportive community to uplift young girls, especially their daughters. As we navigated the challenges of raising confident, empowered children, we recognized a gap in resources and mentorship for girls in BIPOC communities. SASS was created to fill that gap, offering programs that promote self-confidence, leadership, and access to essential resources.

​

Rooted in Harlem, SASS has grown from a grassroots initiative into a movement dedicated to empowering the next generation. Through projects like the SASSY Bag Initiative, which provides feminine hygiene products to girls in need, and our 12-week Rites of Passage Program, we’re helping young girls embrace their potential and thrive. Guided by the belief that "Every Girl Gets It (Period)," we continue to inspire change, foster resilience, and create opportunities for the next generation of phenomenal women.

Our Mission 

At SASS IN HARLEM, our mission is to empower, educate, and uplift young girls and women in BIPOC communities by providing transformative programs, essential resources, and a supportive space for growth. We aim to address the unique challenges they face, nurture their leadership skills, and foster confidence and competence. By creating opportunities that inspire self-discovery, resilience, and success, we are committed to shaping the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

​

While we aspire to advocate for menstrual equity policies, such as making sanitary napkins as accessible as condoms in schools, our current focus lies in immediate, community-driven solutions. Through our SASSY Bags Initiative, we distribute hundreds of bags filled with essential hygiene products to girls in Harlem twice a year. This effort ensures that young girls have access to the products they need, helping to eliminate barriers to education and self-esteem. We also host workshops on puberty and menstrual hygiene for girls in grades 6-12, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate these changes with confidence and dignity.

 

We invite you to join us in our mission. By supporting SASS IN HARLEM, you can help ensure that every girl has access to the resources and education she needs to thrive. Together, we can create a community where young girls feel empowered, respected, and cared for. Be part of this change—because we know every girl gets it

Dear Friends,​

 

Welcome to SASS HARLEM INC! I’m honored to lead this incredible community-driven organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting young girls and women in BIPOC communities. Since our founding in 2005, SASS has been a labor of love, born from the belief that every girl deserves the confidence, resources, and opportunities to thrive.​

 

Over the years, we’ve seen the profound impact of programs like our SASSY Bag Initiative, which ensures girls have access to essential hygiene products, and our 6-Week Rites of Passage Program, which nurtures leadership, self-confidence, and resilience. These efforts are about more than providing resources—they’re about fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and possibility.

 

I invite you to join us in this mission. Whether you volunteer, donate, or share our story, your support helps us create a brighter future for the next generation of phenomenal women. Together, we can continue to inspire change and uplift our community why because EVERY GIRL GETS IT (PERIOD).

 

Thank you for being part of this journey.​

 

With gratitude,

​

Patrice Solomon-Ortiz

Founder/CEO, SASS HARLEM INC

Sistahs About Something Serious (SASS) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls and women in BIPOC communities.

Harlem, New York, NY 10039, USA

908-297-5739

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Contact Us

bottom of page