In 2003, Sandy Richardson had recently retired from a career as a teacher and was looking for what she would do next. After reading an article in Real Simple magazine about a pediatrician who had been helping local families with unmet financial needs, she thought the process sounded doable. She contacted seven friends who invited their friends to a potluck, and Womenade in San Luis Obispo was formed. 

San Luis Obispo County Womenade became a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer, non-profit in November 2009. The scope and reach increased, but the same vision and format of the grass roots organization remained.

Referrals came from teachers, counselors, medical providers, and social workers. We will be forever grateful to all those professionals who allowed Womenade to help their patients/clients. Funds fed and housed families and paid medical bills; in-kind donations provided furniture and diapers. Needs were met quickly and without judgement. In addition, backpack programs fed families with school-age children on weekends, and Womenade volunteers distributed Food Bank food monthly at Nipomo Elementary School 

This founding branch of Womenade retired in 2019, after the non-profit served San Luis Obispo County and donated items, time, and money to meet the essential needs of those in crisis. Since Womenade’s formation in 2003, more than $1,170,000 in funds has been collected to provide dental and medical care, diapers, furniture, rent, gas, groceries, and much more. In addition, hundreds of items, including furniture, formula, clothing, and more, were donated. 100% of all financial donations was used to support those in need.