Raising Hope one Handbag at a Time

From the age of five, Cathlene started asking herself “Why do they stay?”.

Across the street at the chain link fence Cathlene remembers just sitting there, watching all the chaos next door, just waiting for another backseat ride to the emergency room for her grandmother. What would it be this time? More broken bones? Another concussion?

Years later, Cathlene still asks the same question but now with the ability and resources to help women of domestic violence, sex trafficking and other challenging situations.

Cathlene Miner is the founder and president of Hopefull Handbags, Inc., a global nonprofit organization started right here in St. Johns County that aims to provide hope, help and support to survivors. 

“I really wanted to raise hope for these women, so we started focusing on domestic violence for the very reason of my grandmother - and me knowing and always wondering if she knew that there was help,” said Cathlene.

Founded in 2017 with a mission to raise hope and awareness, Hopefull Handbags has positively impacted nearly 1,000 women in St. Johns County alone.

“We take once loved handbags and fill them with necessities, and things to make women feel amazing,” said Cathlene.

Clearly identifiable Hopefull Handbags allow women in need to feel good about themselves by providing simple necessities while also ensuring women know these bags are clean and harm free.

“When you feel good about yourself, everything else in your life starts to fall into place. What you think and feel about you is the base of absolutely everything in life,” said Cathlene.

But handbags aren’t all the organization offers. Hopefull Handbags provides a myriad of programs and resources to help women get back on their feet. From haircuts, budgeting and financial consulting, a closet of business attire, job application training, self-perception programs for adults and teens to group counseling, Hopefull Handbags not only equips women with immediate necessities, but with skills, training and support to take charge of their lives.

Currently Hopefull Handbags is raising money for Carolyn’s Haven of Hope Bridge Housing to help provide homes for women who need a place to live as they begin a new chapter. This program will help fill some of the biggest needs that exist among our local survivors.

“What we want to do is scale these homes for a year’s rent based on income, but it’s a commitment, they also have to stay in counseling and our offered programs,” said Cathlene.

At no cost, financial strategists and advisors work with these women, so that they are refreshed and able to learn new skills and get back on their feet.

“Our goal is sustainability planning first, because we want these women when they’re done with this to be able to live a successful life, and not end up in the same cycle,” said Cathlene. 

Hopefull Handbags’ programs are available to anyone in the community. You do not have to be staying in a shelter to qualify. If there is a group of women or anybody in need, they should contact Hopefull Handbags at 904.383.7158.

“We’re here to raise hope and there are no requirements for raising hope,” said Cathlene. 

Want to learn more? Visit Hopefull Handbags online or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Interested in donating a filled handbag? Click here to find local drop-off locations.