We’re celebrating 50 years of empowering women in the workplace! Join us for a year-long celebration as we reflect on five decades of helping women overcome barriers to employment and economic independence.
We are collecting stories from women who have been impacted by WRC over the past five decades. If you would like to share your story, please fill out the form below or contact Tatum Hawkins at thawkins@grwrc.org.
1971
“Changing Consciousness of American Women” conference held at Aquinas College. Over 400 women attend. Becomes the catalyst for developing a resource center for women in West Michigan.
1973
Women’s Resource Center opens its doors in space donated by Grand Rapids Junior College, becoming one of the first in the country.
1975-1979
WRC pioneers Career Development Program and implements Displaced Homemaker Program.
In 1976, Women’s Resource Center: A Case Study is published and serves as an example of how to establish an agency dedicated to the needs of women.
1980-1989
Sexual Harassment Prevention materials produced by WRC. The progressive program titled “How Was Work today? Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” included a 10 minute video.
Women’s Resource Center launches Minority Women’s Outreach program and the Single Parent Program.
The Working Women’s Clothing Closet is established to fill a service gap, providing women with professional clothing for job interviews.
1990-1999
Women’s Resource Center breaks occupational stereotyping and pilots the Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) Pre-Apprenticeship program.
WRC awarded 1 of 6 grants from the US Department of Labor to assist employers and labor unions in recruiting and retaining women in nontraditional occupations.
New employment programs offered for women who are homeless, receiving welfare, and are survivors of domestic violence.
2000-2005
Workplace Initiative Project launched to facilitate change in the workplace. WRC conducts landmark local research documenting the status of women in the workplace in West Michigan.
WRC expands services and moves into office space at Riverview Center at 678 Front NW in October 2002.
2006-2010
The New Directions Strategic Plan is launched with a commitment to serve economically and socially disadvantaged women by focusing resources toward low income single mothers, female ex-offenders and women living in poverty.
2012-2013
In 2012, WRC is 1 of 5 organizations to receive US Department of Justice funding to pilot a program aimed at helping women transition to life after incarceration. The New Beginnings program is launched and offers mentoring and employment support to women in the Kent County Correctional Facility.
Women’s Resource Center celebrates its 40th anniversary year and service to 40,000 women over those years.
In cooperation with Ferris State University, WRC offers CARE103, a college level course offering a study on career and educational planning.
WRC is 1 of 3 organizations in country to take part in landmark study on the development of executive function skills in young women. Study funded by Annie E. Casey Foundation.
In an effort to encourage more women into I.T., WRC partners with Grand Circus-Grand Rapids to offer an Intro to Coding workshop, sponsors 2 women in the Develop(her) Coding Bootcamp, and offers Social Media Marketing with Facebook and Instagram workshops and micro-credentialing.
2022
New Beginnings program expands to Muskegon and Ottawa counties.
Propel Campaign launches for WRC’s new home and program expansion to serve more women who are in critical need of our services.
2023
Women’s Resource Center celebrates 50 years of empowering women in the workplace. Serving nearly 50,000 women over the past five decades.
Follow us on our social channels to stay up to date on the latest news and celebrations.