PRESENT NOW was founded by social entrepreneurs and philanthropists Melanie Neumann and Erica Fisher in 2012. The two mothers met at their children’s preschool and soon became close friends. They both shared a deep commitment to their families and society. In addition to serving on different nonprofit boards, Melanie and Erica also volunteered their time to help people in need. They had always volunteered at shelters, and this direct interaction with survivor families inspired them to create the Presents Program. Moved by the stories of children who witness domestic violence, they wanted to help families heal and regain a sense of normalcy. To do that they created a program to deliver brand-new, personalized gift boxes year-round on special occasions. These gifts would be delivered to the safe parent at the shelters on Back to School Day, Valentine’s Day, and on each child’s birthday - helping to rekindle a healthy, loving relationship between the safe parent and their child on their healing journey.