Simmons, Sleep Country/Mattress Discounters donate beds to Seattle women's center

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 12, 2013

Jarrett Tomalin, left, marketing and community relations coordinator for Sleep Country USA, and Scott Smalling, Simmons’ chief of specialty innovation, meet at Jubilee Women’s Center for the donation of 31 new mattresses to the center’s community sleeping quarters.

Happy to receive new mattress are the Jubilee Women’s Center’s Mo Whalen, left, Katherine Childers, Cheryl Senson, executive director, and Kathy Lewis.

SEATTLE — Simmons partnered with Sleep Country/Mattress Discounters here to replace 31 beds in the Jubilee Women's Center, a nonprofit that helps women transition from homelessness into independent living.

Simmons also donated ComforPedic from Beautyrest mattresses to two recent graduates of the center, who were robbed of their possessions while preparing to move into new residences. 

After learning of the plight of Bernida Simmons and Celeste Tanner, whose moving truck containing all of their belongings was stolen, Simmons, in partnership with Sleep Country/Mattress Discounters, offered to donate mattresses to the women and to supply the Jubilee Women's Center's sleeping quarters with new beds.

Bernida Simmons, who already had a mattress, said she will donate her new ComforPedic to the center to be auctioned off at the organization's charity fundraiser, a gift estimated to yield up to $2,500.

"Getting recharging sleep is critical for anyone to be able to tackle the day - even in the best of circumstances," said Scott Smalling, chief of specialty innovation at Simmons, who learned of the moving truck loss from a local newscast. "Jubilee gives these women the resources they need to make over their lives. The least we can do is help make over their beds."

"Sleep Country/Mattress Discounters is honored to work with Simmons Bedding on making this donation happen," said Jarrett Tomalin, marketing and community relations coordinator at Sleep Country USA.

Through training, community housing and support services, Jubilee Women's Center provides women struggling with poverty the skills they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency, officials said.

"We are so grateful for the mattresses provided by Simmons Bedding," said Cheryl Senson, director of Jubilee Women's Center. "This donation will enable us to better serve the women who pass through our doors looking for safety, security and comfort. Simmons Bedding is providing a comfortable place for our residents to rest and recharge as they prepare for stable and fulfilling futures."