Women’s Resource Center Connects the Community with Essential Services Through Remote and Virtual Services

In response to the COVD-19 crisis, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has adapted its client delivery model so that it can continue to offer critical services via remote and virtual platforms to individuals in Sarasota and Manatee counties. While WRC’s three centers in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice are closed, such services as mental health counseling, employment coaching, resource advising, and Ask an Attorney are still available. WRC has also created a resource page on its website (https://www.mywrc.org/covid19resources/) with up-to-date information about 211 access options, food service sites, financial resources, employment services, and other pertinent information. People are also encouraged to sign up for WRC’s weekly Resource Report. For more information about any of these resources, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.mywrc.org or call visit call 941-256-9721.

“The Women’s Resource Center has been the place for women and families to turn to when faced with the unexpected for decades,” says WRC CEO Ashley Brown.

“Our goal is to help connect people to the resources they need during this crisis, and to assist our partners with getting the word out about opportunities. Access to funding during this crisis is a top concern.”

Brown says that two recent grants have helped to facilitate these efforts.

A $21,500 COVID-19 Response Initiative grant issued from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation will help to provide women with critical counseling sessions and social support through enhanced telecommunications. In addition, the Manatee Community Foundation provided a $7,500 grant to support single women through access to essential basic needs and WRC case management.

“This support comes at exactly the right time and we are all very grateful to both foundations,” says Brown.

Brown adds that community members can contribute in a variety of ways. “Thanks to a grant from the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, all personal donations between $5 and $500 will be matched on a 1:1 basis,” she says. Donations need to be made on the Trust’s website at https://flanzertrust.org/.

WRC is also participating in the Giving Challenge on April 28. The 24-hour giving event hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County connects nonprofit organizations with passionate donors. The Patterson Foundation will match donations 1:1 up to $100.

“We are proud to live in a community that cares deeply about the emotional and financial stability, and long-term success of individuals in need of support,” says Brown.