Women's Resource Center opened its doors in 1973. From the beginning it served women from all walks of life and all economic strata. When the Center first opened, it served women who were essentially providing a second income in the family. Decades later, the social fabric of our community is substantially different. More and more women are trying to raise children single-handedly, often at a severe economic disadvantage due to lack of education, addiction, criminal record, or other circumstances. Women’s Resource Center has kept its organizational compass focused on the “true north” of economic independence for women, while shifting its resources to fit the current economic reality and need in our community. The services of Women’s Resource Center are now specifically targeted to meet the needs of low-income single mothers and women with a criminal history.

So who are the women we serve?

• Almost 80% of the 900 women who come to Women’s Resource Center in any given year are not married: they are single, divorced, separated or widowed.
• Many clients are the primary breadwinners for their family. 
• Seventy-six percent of them earn less than $15,000 per year. This is not a livable wage for a single person, much less for a family; in fact, it is below the poverty level for a family of four.
• Seventy percent of the clients are single parents, it is imperative for them to find employment that leads to a sustainable income.

The women are all different, but one thing is the same for every single one of them. Every woman needs hope. Every woman needs encouragement. Armed with hope and encouragement, virtually every one of them can succeed on the difficult journey to economic independence.