Support for Women 2023

When Brandy Morris heard that The Haven day shelter in downtown Charlottesville had difficulty meeting the demand for menstrual products among their guests, she knew she had to do something.

“These women are already going through so much, really struggling. To not even have their basic needs met for modesty, comfort, and cleanliness just broke my heart,” she said.

So, she put out a call to action within her spiritual community: “Please, help me get these women the care products they desperately need.”

Brandy serves as both the High Priestess and President of the Coven of the Appalachian Mountains., as well as an ordained minister recognized by the state of Virginia. 

The Coven of the Appalachian Mountains, or CAM,  is a federally recognized 501c3 religious nonprofit based in Dyke, Virginia. They function as a safe community for people of all faiths to gather, respectfully discuss ideas and beliefs, and work towards achieving religious understanding and equality. 

“It was really heartwarming to see people come together like they did, and so quickly, too. We were receiving shipments almost immediately,” Brandy says of the outpouring of support. 

She’s also quick to point out that they are not done. “This is just the beginning. We are a very new organization. We’re just getting our feet under us. But building relationships within the communities we live and work is our top priority, right now. We want people to know we are here, we see you, and we want to help.”

There are numerous ways people can get involved. Remotely, monetary donations can be made via PayPal or donors can purchase items from the Amazon Wishlist, both of which can be found on the Coven’s website. Alternatively, donations may be dropped off in person at The Haven during business hours or at any CAM-hosted events.

If you or someone you know are facing homelessness, you are encouraged to reach out to The Haven for assistance. They are currently operating under their winter hours of Monday - Sunday, 6:30 am - 12 noon, and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

For more information:

Coven of the Appalachian Mountains

www.covenam.org

The Haven

112 West Market St.

Charlottesville, VA 22902

(434) 973-1234

This year, Coven of the Appalachian Mountains has accomplished so many things. We have donated hygiene products to schools and homeless shelters. We have donated books to facilitate a book club at Western State Hospital. We donated books to a Greene County library. 

After Hurricane Helene, our Vice President took truckloads of products to SWVA, much of which was donated by Coven members. We have also partnered with a college to provide easily accessible stations where Narcan can be quickly located during an emergency. We fed 30 unhoused persons every other day for two months. Together, we have accomplished SO MUCH!

We look forward to seeing all of you in 2025 and to reaching others in Virginia, America, and worldwide!  

The Coven of the Appalachian Mountains is led by its President and High Priestess, Brandy, who is ordained within the tradition and legally recognized by the Circuit Court of Greene County, Virginia. Under her leadership, the Coven has grown from a small local spiritual circle into a nonprofit organization with members and supporters across the United States, while maintaining a strong foundation of local service, transparency, and accountability.

In 2025, Brandy was named one of Central Virginia’s Distinguished Dozen, an honor recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through leadership, service, and impact. That same year, the Coven of the Appalachian Mountains was also independently featured in The Daily Progress, highlighting the organization’s spiritual mission, public service work, and role in the local community.

The Coven’s work extends beyond spiritual practice into direct, tangible service. Through organized outreach efforts, the organization has distributed hygiene and personal care items, food support, harm-reduction supplies such as Narcan, and books to incarcerated individuals and hospital patients. These efforts are grounded in the belief that access to basic necessities, education, and dignity is essential to both spiritual and community well-being.

The Coven of the Appalachian Mountains continues to serve as both a spiritual home and a source of practical support, guided by principles of compassion, responsibility, and respect for individual paths. In 2026 and beyond, the organization remains committed to fostering spiritual growth while responding thoughtfully and effectively to real-world community needs.