As we wrap up the summer and ease into the fall season, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a period marked by change, celebration, and progress at A Step Ahead Chattanooga. From hosting the Decades Silent Disco to significantly increasing the number of clients served with free birth control, this summer has been filled with meaningful impact—all thanks to your ongoing support. In this newsletter, we’re excited to share highlights from the past few months, provide a glimpse of what’s ahead, and let you know how you can continue to play a key role in ensuring that women in our community have access to the care they need.
I have had the privilege of serving as A Step Ahead Chattanooga’s Executive Director since 2021. Every year, I’ve found myself saying the same thing – “Wow! This was an unprecedented year for A Step Ahead!”. That statement has consistently been true, but it feels especially true as we enter the final months of 2024. This year, we are on track to connect almost 700 more women than last year with access to free birth control. That is incredible and I feel so honored that the people living in our region trust us to help them navigate their contraceptive needs. In ten years of serving the community, A Step Ahead Chattanooga (ASAC) has never had to put anyone on a waitlist or turn anyone away. That is only possible because of supporters like YOU! Thank you. If someone needs help accessing birth control, they need that help today….not in six months when A Step Ahead can afford to assist them. Our goal is to continue operating in that manner for the foreseeable future, but new challenges and the sudden significant increase in demand for our services are making that harder than ever. In case you missed it, in August we shared some important updates about contraceptive access in Tennessee . I encourage you to spend a few minutes learning about the new barriers that make it more challenging for women to access affordable birth control and make our mission as important as ever. As we close out 2024 and move into 2025, I want you to know that your support of this mission is changing lives. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing stories from some of the people who have been impacted by this work. Please keep your eye on your inbox and your mailbox to hear more from them, and thank you in advance for your continued support of this mission.
Mandy Cowley
Executive Director A Step Ahead Chattanooga
We are honored to be featured in a recent article by the Times Free Press, showing the importance of access to reproductive healthcare and the role our organization plays in providing critical support to women in our community.
**You must have a Times Free Press subscription to read the full article linked below.
Our most recent blog post breaks down everything you need to know about the process of what to expect with an IUD insertion. Learn from Kara Mosesso, ANP-BC, about what an IUD is, how to prepare for your appointment, what to expect during the procedure, and tips for comfort afterward.
A huge thank you to everyone who made our Decades Silent Disco a fantastic success! We are deeply grateful to have spent the last decade serving our community by providing free access to birth control, and this event was the perfect way to celebrate. From dancing the night away to connecting with our amazing supporters, we had an unforgettable time. Now, we’re excited to share some of the best moments with you—click below to view photos from the event and relive the fun!
Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the 2024 Nightingale Grant, which will allow us to expand our Spanish Appointment Line. For more information on how A Step Ahead plans to use the grant and the overall impact of this expansion, read the press release.
OWN OR WORK FOR A LOCAL BUSINESS? HELP SUPPORT WOMEN’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS THIS GIVING TUESDAY
You already follow us and receive our newsletter—thank you! Which means supporting local women is important to you. Now, we’re inviting local businesses to take the next step in supporting local women by partnering with us for our Thanks, Birth Control/Giving Tuesday Giveback the first week of December.
Why Your Participation Matters By joining this initiative, your business will not only support our mission of removing barriers to birth control in our community, but also gain valuable visibility and recognition within the community.
With the evolving landscape of healthcare in Tennessee, protecting access to birth control has never been more important. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact. We’d love to have you on board! Let’s work together to create lasting change for women while boosting your business.
Click the button below to join us! PS- We understand that each business is unique, so your participation can be customized to fit your needs.
For example, you could sell a specially crafted cocktail or designate a product in your inventory that benefits birth control access. We’re happy to brainstorm and create a tailored plan that aligns with your business.
FILL OUT BUSINESS PARTICIPATION FORM
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