Women’s Resource Center executive director announces retirement

Jan Mancinelli, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM), recently announced her plans to retire at the end of May. After 36+ years with the organization, she can still vividly recall her job interview with a group of founders and early board members in the fall of 1978. She said they had shared their vision of what the Women’s Center should be and the million dollar question was did she think she could write grants and fundraise to make their vision a reality. In typical Jan Mancinelli style, she said, “Sure, I can do that!”

Mancinelli recalls that it was a time when the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault were barely noticed in the community or anywhere on the social, cultural stage. Domestic abuse laws had only just passed that same year. The resurgence of the women’s movement in the 60’s and 70’s, the civil rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s, the fight against poverty in the 60’s and the anti-war movement of the 60’s and 70’s were all part of the social conversation and the presence of these issues on our social and political screen brought new awareness and energy toward peace, justice and equality.

“The status quo was being challenged at every level of our society and the Women’s Center, started in 1977, was at the ground level with an ideology that embraced all of these present and emerging issues,” said Mancinelli. “The organization plodded forward confronting gender inequality and violence in our homes. There were times in the beginning when I would try to meet with a prosecutor or a police agency to discuss a domestic abuse or sexual assault case and no one would return my calls.”

So much has changed since then, according to Mancinelli, who said the organization now partners with all law enforcement, works with them on cases and works with them on developing and implementing training, policies and procedures. “Today, we collaborate and work together to address these issues instead of being adversaries,” Mancinelli emphasized.

In response to community need, the non-profit organization grew and expanded service delivery to locations in five northern Michigan counties over the years, yet there were many challenges along the way.

“The biggest challenge as I look back has been to stay focused, relevant and positive – not to get cynical and angry at the injustices, inequality and the slow pace of social change. Knowing and seeing the horrors of what people face when they are abused, hurt, disenfranchised and discounted is sometimes a dreadful reality of this work,” said Mancinelli. She also pointed out that managing the WRCNM’s growth while facing financial challenges to build and sustain an organization responding to so many community and social needs was also a great challenge.

Mancinelli stayed committed to the WRCNM’s vision to provide excellent services and effective programs while remaining fiscally responsible. From humble beginnings working from a donated office space at North Central Michigan College, the WRCNM has grown to own four buildings that have all undergone extensive remodeling and renovation: the Safe Home; two Gold Mine Resale Shops that help generate funds for the organization; and the main office that houses counseling, the Children’s Learning Center, Project FREE preschool and administration. Additionally, individuals may access counseling and support at rented satellite offices in Cheboygan, Gaylord and Mancelona, and on the campus of North Central.

Another important aspect of Jan’s work has been to promote equality, justice and the well-being of women. This involved reaching out into the community. There were countless hours meeting with local leaders, other human service agencies, law enforcement officials, churches and social/civic organizations to speak out and be a voice to raise awareness and combat social injustice.

“I am sure I was not always the person others wanted to see or hear from,” Mancinelli said. “I knew that if I were to stay true to the mission and work of the organization it was my responsibility to speak up to challenge injustice even when I knew that I would stand alone and/or be isolated from those who did not agree or were content to have the status quo remain.”

However, the journey has not entirely been a lonely one. She fondly recalls and acknowledges the many strong, passionate and committed staff and board members, volunteers and donors with whom she has had the honor to work.

“It was, and is, a privilege to know that I stood side by side with people who believed in what we are doing – together we did some remarkable things and proceeded to give hope and provide the tools that helped people have a happier and healthier life,” Mancinelli noted. “I am forever grateful that people participated in growing this wonderful organization and because of that we had an impact on social issues, in general, and provided a needed service for many.”

“I am just happy to know that what turned out to be my life’s work is successful, that I was able to follow my passions and beliefs and work toward equality, social justice and non violence,” Mancinelli added.

For more information about the WRCNM, contact the main office at (231) 347-0067 or visit wrcnm.org

Gail Kloss to assume WRCNM leadership in June 2015

At the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) January board meeting, it was affirmed that Gail Kloss will take on the role of executive director after Jan Mancinelli retires from the non-profit organization at the end of May. Kloss has been with the agency for five years and has served as the financial director.

“There has been a very conscientious process to assure a smooth and successful transition,” said Mancinelli. In the fall of 2013, a solid plan was devised by the WRCNM Board of Directors and Mancinelli which included the creation of a succession planning committee.

An extensive search was initiated to hire a chief operating officer (COO), with the intention of naming this person executive director if they met the expectations in providing leadership and demonstrating the skill sets required to run a community based nonprofit.

In January 2014, Kloss was hired as the COO. For the past year she has been working alongside Mancinelli learning the complexities of the job and the operational aspects of the WRCNM.

“We all look forward to the outstanding leadership Gail is sure to provide,” noted Mancinelli. “I am confident that the integrity, responsiveness and professionalism the community has come to expect from the WRCNM will not miss a beat.”