Today we received an update on the Women's Resource Center from WRC Development Coordinator Jamie Bell and Executive Director Juliette Schultz.
WRC's mission is to protect, shelter and empower people impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Based in Traverse City, WRC also serves domestic violence victims in Benzie,Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties. Its hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Specific services include
- Emergency shelter
- Free and confidential one-on-one and group support
- On-call staff to respond to victims of sexual assault
- Advocacy & Counseling
- Legal / PPO's
- Safety planning
- Resources / referrals
- Free clothing and household items
Just last year WRC provided . . .
- Over 3,600 nights of safe shelter
- Housed over 100 women and children
- Over 1,400 hours of on-on-one counseling
- Responded to over 400 survivors
- Over 5,300 crisis calls--a 40% increase
To support its services WRC relies upon contributions from generous donors like Sunrise Rotary, as well as revenues from its two thrift shops. Members are encouraged to consider donating clothing and other items to the thrift shops.