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

When you’re running a nonprofit on a tight budget, logistics can take over fast. For Kristin Lowrey, founder of Access Period, that was her reality—until she discovered Elevator.

Elevator is a shared warehouse workspace designed for impact-driven groups with big goals. What started in Kristin’s garage is now a growing nonprofit operation 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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### From Garage Startup to Statewide Impact

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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### What Is Period Poverty?

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 statewide pickup locations, partner nonprofits, and school programs, 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:

✅ Give partner orgs more pickup flexibility
✅ Mail products directly from one location
✅ Clear out home spaces used for 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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### The Power of a Professional Space

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 credible. That shift opened new funding doors and built partner confidence.

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### Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Access Period?

Now, Kristin sees a future where Access Period owns its own warehouse. Why? Because Elevator helped her see what it takes.

> "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.