Lisa Truong

Co-founder and Executive Director, Help A Mother Out
San Francisco Bay Area (outposts in Los Angeles, San Diego and Inland Empire counties)

Lisa, a stay-at-home mom, was deeply moved by a story on The Oprah Winfrey Show about how the recession was impacting other mothers. Teaming up with her friend Rachel Fudge (also a co-founder), they originally decided to do a baby clothing drive. But, after hearing stories about homeless moms taking the bus across town just to get three diapers, they mounted a campaign using social networks that generated more than 15,000 diapers for families in need.

Surprised and awed by the outpouring of help from across the nation, they turned the one-time diaper drive into an ongoing year-round campaign and, in 2009, launched Help A Mother Out. Staffed entirely by volunteers, it's run out of Lisa's home so she can spend time with her baby and toddler.

Lisa is overwhelmed by the support she's received from her community. Because of the decision to help make a difference for moms, she's been told that families can keep the lights on and food on the table. Women can continue to keep their kids in childcare so they can go to work or school. And babies are going to sleep at night with a clean diaper.

"It was an honor to be invited to partner with Huggies in the Every Little Bottom Program ," states Lisa. "First and foremost, I hope this will raise awareness of the cause at a national level. Every mom in America should be aware of this issue and hosting a diaper drive should come into the minds of people who want to reach out to help, just as a food drive or a coat drive does."

"I really truly believe that it's my responsibility, along with other mothers, to ensure that all our kids are healthy," says Lisa. "It's an investment in our future. Not having diapers causes a lot of moms to have stress, and having a stressed-out caregiver will come out in a child's development."

While Lisa finds that she doesn't have much free time, she's exhilarated. And no wonder. Because of her, Rachel and their volunteers, 10,000 families have now received clean diapers.

HAMO's flagship operations are located in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, currently providing diapers to over 18 agencies in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Solano counties.