Milestones

Our First Fifteen Years...

1988
Two local women - Donna Rietschlin and Fran Donohue form a Steering Committee to investigate the need for an emergency shelter to serve women in Middlesex County.  After trying to find local services for a woman fleeing an abusive relationship.

1989
Feasibility study completed; stakeholders consulted (schools, lawyers, physicians, police, hospitals & social services) report consensus that a shelter is needed.

1990
March of this year, the Women's Rural Resource Centre incorporates as a non-profit registered charity.  Planning for offering counselling services and other resources for abused women begins.  In August, the federal government commits capital monies to build the shelter.  On October 15th, the WRRC counselling service opens at 48 Front Street, Strathroy, ON.

1991
Shelter construction begins in October at 145 Beech Street.

1992
In February, through collaborative efforts with the (then) Middlesex County School Board, a school-based Violence Prevention program is initiated.  The United Way provides funding for this project.  At the end of March, the shelter doors open to offer a safe place for abused women & their children.  A 24-hour crisis line is offered along with the shelter service.

1993
Outreach program developed & offices open in Newbury, Parkhill and Glencoe.

1996
Mount Brydges outreach office opens.

1998
Melbourne & Ilderton outreach offices open.  The Board of Directors adopts the Carver governance model to strengthen the agency's accountability to the community.  Through a shelter enhancement grant, the Resource Centre's counselling and administrative offices are consolidated along with shelter at 145 Beech Street.

1999
Given the shortage of affordable housing in the county, the agency purchases adjacent duplex at 155 Beech Street for Second Stage Housing.  This purchase is made possible by a grant from the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation.

2000
Our Second Stage Housing accepts its first tenants.  Funding challenges leave the Board of Directors no option but to eliminate the school-based Violence Prevention program.

2001
New government funding creates the Transition program for women leaving abusive relationships and funding supports the hiring of part-time Transition Advocate.  This year, the agency - for the first time - exceeds our fundraising requirement.  Community response exceeds expectations and we replace our original playground equipment.  Glencoe becomes our seventh outreach site.  The number of women seeking services is our highest ever.

2002
The Board of Directors undertakes strategic planning and process culminates in development of strategic directions.  Capital reserve fund established to support Second Stage Housing.

2003
Original digital cameras on security system are upgraded through successful fundraising campaign.

2004
The agency secures funding from the United Way to hire a part-time Children's Advocate.  Service volumes highest ever & services provided with the same funding levels as 1997.  Board consultations with community leaders initiated to solicit advice around certain challenges.  Goal for development of SSH capital reserve fund met.

2005
Government funding for Transition program enhanced and full-time Transition Advocate hired.  United Way funding for Children's Advocate also increased to full-time.  Agency launches capital campaign to refurbish spaces after fifteen years or wear & tear: community response exceeds expectations.  Agency fundraises highest amount ever.  Reserve fund for capital equipment initiated.

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