Co-Warehousing for Nonprofits: How Elevator Helped Access Period Grow > 자유게시판

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For nonprofits with limited resources, logistics can become a daily struggle. For Kristin Lowrey, founder of Access Period, that was her reality—until she discovered Elevator.

Elevator is a co-warehousing community designed for nonprofits and small businesses ready to grow. What started in Kristin’s garage is now a Nebraska-wide distribution network making a real difference.

### Key Takeaways
✅ Co-Warehousing gave Access Period the flexibility and legitimacy to grow.

✅ On-demand warehouse access reduced stress and saved time.

✅ Kristin found valuable peer support and collaboration through the Elevator community.

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### How One Idea Became a Movement

Kristin Lowrey didn’t set out to start a nonprofit. While working with former foster youth, she noticed a recurring problem—period products were always in short supply.

She contacted other nonprofits, only to hear the same thing: menstrual supplies were too expensive and too complicated to consistently provide.

That’s when Access Period was born. Instead of treating period poverty as a footnote, Kristin made it the main focus.

> "For every person in need in Nebraska, there’s someone willing to help," she said.

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### Understanding the Challenge

Access Period tackles four often-overlooked barriers:

✔️ Period products
✔️ Hygiene facilities
✔️ Waste management
✔️ Education

When people don’t have these basics, it affects their dignity, health, and opportunities.

Through a growing network of pickup points and partnerships, Access Period distributes supplies and information while preserving dignity.

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### The Logistics Challenge Before Elevator

Before Elevator, Kristin was running a supply-heavy nonprofit with zero infrastructure for storage or distribution.

She had to:

Store inventory in her garage and basement
Transport supplies constantly herself
Coordinate pickups with over 60 partners manually

> "I could fit half a pallet in my car—no one should have to find that out the hard way," she joked.

It was unsustainable—and it was stealing time from the mission.

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### Why Elevator Was a Game-Changer

At first, Elevator felt out of reach. But after touring the facility, Kristin realized the real risk was staying stuck.

Elevator helped Access Period:

✅ Offer flexible pickup times to partners
✅ Centralize mailing and distribution
✅ Stop relying on home storage
✅ Meet donors in a professional setting

> "Every partner said flexible pickups at Elevator made a huge difference," Kristin shared.

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### What Nonprofits Really Gain from Co-Warehousing

Elevator didn’t just offer space. Kristin gained:

On-demand loading docks and shipping
Supportive staff who receive deliveries when she’s away
Peace of mind—knowing ops continue even if she’s not onsite

> "Elevator is like our third staff member," she said.

She also gained access to a network of peers: mentors like Angie from Dibs for Kids and legal help from Dave Pantos—all just down the hall.

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### Why Legitimacy Matters

Before Elevator, Kristin dreaded funders asking: *"Where do you office out of?"*

> "Saying ‘my house’ raised questions," she explained.

Now, with a professional workspace, Access Period is seen as legit. That shift opened new funding doors and built partner confidence.

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### A Vision for the Future

Now, Kristin sees a future where Access Period owns its own warehouse. Why? Because Elevator helped her test the waters.

> "Before Elevator, I couldn’t picture what growth looked like," she said.

Having a co-founder like Emiliano—who understands nonprofits—made the leap easier.

> "I trusted he wouldn’t put me in a risky spot," she said.

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### Elevator Gave Access Period Room to Grow

Elevator gave Access Period more than square footage. It gave them:

✅ Room to grow
✅ A community to lean on
✅ The confidence to scale their mission

> "Elevator didn’t just store boxes—it helped us grow," Kristin said.

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### Could Co-Warehousing Work for You?

If you’re juggling too much, Kristin’s story is proof that the right space changes everything.

✅ Save time
✅ Reduce stress
✅ Increase your impact

**Schedule a tour today** and discover how Elevator Co-Warehousing can help you grow smarter and faster in 2025 and beyond.

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### Watch the Full Interview on YouTube

Want to hear Kristin’s journey firsthand?

**Watch the full Access Period interview** on our YouTube channel and see how co-warehousing helped them grow across Nebraska.

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### FAQs

**What is Co-Warehousing for Nonprofits?**
Co-warehousing is shared warehouse space with logistics support for nonprofits and small businesses. It reduces cost while providing flexible, professional operations support.

**How did Elevator help Access Period?**
By offering warehouse access, logistical support, and a professional space that boosted credibility and efficiency.

**What does Access Period do?**
They provide free menstrual products via pickup points, schools, and partner orgs—and work to eliminate period poverty with dignity and education.