Live Limitless Refuge Center, Inc

A Safe Haven for Women to Heal, Rise & Lead. 
Presented by Demeria Canty, Founder & CEO

Connect: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Radically reimagining what shelter can mean for women experiencing homelessness. Live Limitless Refuge Center’s mission is to restore dignity, safety, and personal agency through trauma-informed, luxury-style housing and comprehensive wraparound services. Rooted in healing, empowerment, and long-term stability, their model challenges the outdated notion that shelters must be institutional, impersonal, or temporary.

In the Capital Region—where housing insecurity disproportionately affects women, survivors of violence, and individuals facing systemic barriers, Live Limitless offers a transformative, home-like environment where women are not just housed, but supported, and equipped to rebuild their lives. By integrating culturally responsive programming, transportation support, and community-building into every aspect of their work, they are disrupting cycles of trauma and poverty. 

BirthNet

Roots of Support: The Esther Patterson Doula Initiative
Presented by Gérardine Georges & Tisha Graham

Social: Facebook @birthnet | Instagram @birthnetny

BirthNet aims to create a more equitable birth experience, promoting healthier outcomes and empowering families to thrive in their parenting journeys. BirthNet is dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes by supporting marginalized communities, particularly focusing on the needs of Black and teenage mothers. BirthNet empowers families through accessible and culturally competent care, ensuring that every birthing individual has the support they need during one of life’s most transformative experiences.

To achieve this purpose, BirthNet established the Esther Patterson Doula Fund, specifically designed to provide financial support to Black doulas who assist teenage clients. Additionally, BirthNet offers education and resources to both doulas and clients, fostering a community of support and understanding.  We were honored to have Esther's husband Henry with us to celebrate her lasting legacy. 

About Working Group on Girls of Schenectady

WGGS gives social and emotional support to middle and high school girls in Schenectady by providing safe spaces and meaningful connections for them to develop their own voices. WGGS serves as role models and advocates as these girls navigate the challenges of adolescence. They are taught to teach themselves, to be problem solvers, and to be resilient.

Learn more about their work

About their Pitch

Delivered by Board Co-Presidents Chinira Lovick and Monique Wade, the Working Group on Girls of Schenectady pitched an original program called FRESH (Food, Resiliency, Education, Socialization, and Health). FRESH's main benefits are educating, empowering, mentoring, and providing sustainable life skills to young women in the Schenectady community. FRESH will be a holistic program including several components: mentorship, leadership, gardening, farm-to-table, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, social-emotional learning, and community service.

Capital Region Menstrual Health

As an initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Capital Region Menstrual Health (CRMH) works to promote the health and well-being of individuals who menstruate in our area. CRMH works to increase period equity by bringing period products directly into under-resourced communities through a network of established and trusted community-based organizations.

Learn more about CRMH

About Their Pitch

Capital Region Menstrual Health seeks to bolster sustainability as a multifaceted initiative fighting period poverty by providing menstrual products and educational materials free of charge to people disproportionately impacted by the expenses of these products. If successful, CRMH plans to purchase menstrual hygiene products, educational and promotional materials, and install community period boxes strategically in close proximity to partner organizations.