Women's Resource Center

Mission Statement

The mission of the Women's Resource Center is to end domestic and sexual violence.

Brief History

What began in 1975 as an all volunteer effort to serve domestic and sexual violence victims is now a full-service organization with sites throughout the region. With our community partners we've increased victims' options making it safer for them to stay in their homes and enhancing access to housing, legal, financial, medical, educational, employment and other resources. With your support we are revealing the sometimes hidden truth about domestic and sexual violence.

Goals

To provide families safety, support and access to resources and to collaborate with community organizations to enhance clients' opportunities for success. In 2007-08:

• 472 adults and children received emergency shelter and transitional housing at the WRC; provided nearly 31,000 nights--a 26% increase over 2006-07.
• 1147 served in non-residential programs.
• Traverse City Zonta Club provided its 150th Scholarship for Change for clients through NMC and its Bridge Program.
• Served 270 seniors versus 88 in 2005 with the Elder Abuse Awareness Coalition.
• 352 survivors helped with personal protection orders. Our STOP Grant partnerships supported 273 victims.
• Provided 9,561 hours of one-on-one and group support; received nearly 5000 calls on 24-hour hotline.
• Doula Teen Parent Program assisted 108 families--a 100% annual increase. 99.9% of the babies had healthy birth weights.
• M.E.N.S. and A.W.A.R.E. Programs for male and female offenders served 335--a 128% increase over 2000 when local domestic violence courts started.
• Our Thrift Shop provided $7500/month in clothing and household items to clients and others.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers provide nearly 20,000 hours of service annually, through client services, office support, fundraising, public speaking, board and committee work, maintenance and at the Thrift Shop. Opportunities for every schedule!

Giving Opportunities

Purple Ribbon Campaign: October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Honors victims and raises awareness, includes fundraising, a vigil and Hands Against Violence Trees created by local children. Three Generations Circle of Women Givers: Promotes women's philanthropy to enhance the economic self sufficiency of women and girls. Holiday Needs--Donors provide toys, clothing and food for our clients to make the holidays special. Donors may adopt a family or provide gift cards. Mary Lee Lord Endowment--Provides crucial funding for our programs, particularly housing, as grants decline or remain level. Margie's Fund--Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation--Provides funds for clients pursuing their educational goals.

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Fundraising Events

Extravaganza 2009 ~ Happy Days - Our biggest fund raiser will have a fifties theme. Dinner, dance, activities, raffles and more!

Biggest Need in 2009

To grow the Mary Lee Lord Endowment to ensure the sustainability of the Women's Resource Center.