WHO WE ARE

MISSION:

To engage, educate, enrich and empower women of all generations.

VISION: 

We envision a region where all women and families thrive.

The Women’s Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency that has provided women (and men) with life skills training, career planning, and educational scholarships in Manatee & Sarasota Counties.

Over the last 40 years, the Women’s Resource Center has provided direction to women of all generations by inspiring, educating, and supporting them through life transitions. Just like all of us have experienced at one time or another, these women have reached one of life’s turning points and come to us seeing a fresh start. From women seeking their GEDs to those with PhDs, our clients are diverse, from women in need of housing to women investing in real estate, from women worrying about their next paycheck to those preparing for retirement.

No challenge is too great or too small, and we are here to help them on their journey.

OUR CORE VALUES

WHAT WE DO

WRC is dedicated to providing direction to women of all generations by inspiring, educating and supporting them through life’s transitions. Each month, more than 250 women arrive at the door of the Women’s Resource Center seeking help.  Just like all of us have experienced at one time or another, they have reached one of life’s turning points and come to us seeking a fresh start.  Whether coping with difficult family situations, concerned about finances, or simply seeking opportunities for personal growth – we are here to help on your personal journey.

The Women’s Resource Center offers a variety of programs such as low-cost Mental Health Counseling, Employment Services, Resource Advising, Support Groups, and more.

View All Programs

OVER THE YEARS

1979

Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County is founded by a coalition of 19 women’s organizations, including the American Association of University Women, providing employment services and our flagship Challenge course to the community since our inception.

1990

A group of local Manatee County business women along with AAUW and Altrusa introduce the concept of a Women’s Resource Center in Manatee County. The idea was to help women who did not qualify for assistance, but did not make enough money to support themselves. In the spring of 1990, a Charter Member Luncheon was held with over 400 women in attendance in support of the Center.

1993

Southeast Bank in downtown Bradenton donates office space to the Women’s Resource Center and thus launches the referral aspect of the agency. After hundreds of referrals, WRC Manatee moved into a small rental house on 55th Avenue West, and begins offering counseling, client assistance, job support, clubs and seminars.

1996

WRC Manatee receives its first county grant for the Smart Women’s Program, establishes a computer lab on-site and offers weekly classes.

1999

WRC Sarasota grows through a merger with the Women’s Support and Enrichment Center to become The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County.  WRC Manatee purchases its first permanent facility, our current home at 1926 Manatee Ave West in downtown Bradenton.

2005

Unique Boutique, our own upscale clothing boutique, opens in Jennings Arcade, 417 12th Street West in downtown Bradenton, FL.

2012

WRCSC launches Women Entrepreneur Bootcamp for clients who dream of pursuing a different path than the typical 9 to 5. The courses focused on marketing, branding, business planning, funding sources and assembling professional teams.

2017

Sarasota County and Manatee County WRC Boards of Directors vote unanimously to merge effective January 1.

CLIENTS SERVED

Although we were unable to offer services in-person, in 2020 the Women’s Resource Center serviced 1559 individuals remotely.

FAMILY LIFE

266 single parents were served in 2020, and 1102 families reported income below the Poverty Level.

RESOURCES

In 2020, our team of friendly Resource Advisors held 1,494 Resource Advising sessions.

COUNSELING

The Women’s Resource Center saw 1638people for mental health counseling last year.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

The power and the strength that women possess is truly unbelievable. Sometimes life gets in the way of that. Sometimes we need that hand up in order to reconnect with that power and strength. That is where the Women’s Resource Center is invaluable.

Coleen C.

I honestly didn’t know where to turn for help. When I lost my job, the WRC got me back on my feet working towards solutions instead of numbing my wounds.

Stephanie C.

Walking into a job interview can be very intimidating; having the right clothes for my interview made a big difference. Thank you for the Career Closet! 

Wendy M.

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

The Unique Boutique of the Women’s Resource Center is an upscale resale boutique offering gently worn, brand name, women’s clothing and accessories in a variety of sizes and styles… you never know what treasures and bargains you will find! Visit us in the heart of Bradenton’s charming downtown area in Jennings Arcade on Old Main Street.  We gladly accept donations at all Centers of gently worn ladies clothing, including accessories such as shoes, handbags, scarves and jewelry.

Unique Boutique phone number:  (941) 750-0032

VISIT UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

SHARE WRC

Would you like to share the Women’s Resource Center message with an organization, business, or other community group?  We have WRC volunteers who are trained to present information about the programs and resources we offer at the three Centers. 

If you wish to request a speaker visit your group, please fill out the form using the link below, and we’ll contact you to coordinate!

REQUEST SPEAKER NOW

SUPPORT THE WRC

Help us prepare for the future of the Women’s Resource Center. Become a Community Partner today.

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