On Wednesday, May 16th, the Women’s Resource Center held a retirement party for one of our beloved volunteers, Jean Abrams.

 It was during her retirement party that we learned of how WRC played a role in Jean and her husband Joe moving to Sarasota. Joe shared the story of them visiting different cities as they contemplated where they were going to spend their retirement years. 

While visiting Sarasota, Jean spotted an ad in the paper for a WRC program, Tomorrow’s Woman, which she decided to attend. She went back to the hotel, where she and Joe were staying, and announced that they were moving to Sarasota and she was going to volunteer at the Women’s Resource Center.

Her first volunteer role at WRC was a Peer Resource Advisor (PRA). A PRA is someone who listens without judgement and helps clients prioritize their needs. They can recommend community resources and enroll clients in WRC programs as well. 

It was through her role as a PRA that she identified areas that WRC could improve and expand programming, especially the career development programs. Jean raised the funds for a computer lab and space for women who were working on finding a job. The next time you are in the Sarasota Center, visit the second floor where we still hold computer classes, workshops and seminars in the Jean Abram’s Career Center.

Throughout the years Jean expanded her role at the Center, she taught computer classes, served on the Renaissance Luncheon committee, where she worked with our past Executive Director Janice Zarro on the seating chart every year! Jean has been an advocate for WRC, always sharing stories about our clients and the life changing work we do at our Centers. 

If you know Jean Abrams, we are willing to bet she asked for your support of WRC! 

Through her 18 years at WRC, Jean was witness to growth, changes in leadership, and more. Throughout it all, she stayed focused on one thing, the mission and the clients we serve. Jean’s legacy will always be a part of the Center as it continues to engage, educate, enrich, and empower women of all generations.

Thank you, Jean for your love and dedication to the women of our community and the work WRC does to support them!