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When we lift each other up, our community grows stronger
For nearly five decades, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) has responded to community needs with programs that help strengthen and empower individuals and families across northern Lower Michigan. As our community evolves, WRCNM recognizes the need for centralized and expanded services for women, men, children, and families. A newly renovated facility in Petoskey will provide ample space for seven distinct programs and a range of custom features dedicated to more effectively serving our community.
Together, we can make this vision a reality.
The Plan
WRCNM recognizes the diverse needs of survivors. Seamless collaboration among our staff across programs, facilitated by this project, is essential to addressing these multifaceted needs. A centralized location will boost efficiency, improve accessibility for people of all abilities, and create a welcoming space focused on the care, well-being, and empowerment of community members.
At this new facility, survivor services and children’s programs will offer:
- Educationally-focused programming for ages 2 to 5
- Skilled forensic interviewing and wraparound support for child survivors
- Comprehensive domestic abuse and sexual assault services and advocacy
- Trauma-informed licensed therapy
- Violence prevention and outreach activities
- A dedicated collaborative space for community partners
WRCNM will maintain satellite offices in Cheboygan, Otsego, and Antrim counties, the Safe Home temporary shelter, and Educational and Employment Services on the campus of Northern Michigan College.
Leading the way
WRCNM was established in 1977 to create a supportive place for women. The need for specialized domestic abuse and sexual assault services was quickly recognized, and WRCNM responded by establishing programs not otherwise available.
WRCNM continues to evolve to meet shifting community needs. Agency services consistently exceed standards and fulfill our commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of women. Staff expertise includes a deep understanding of gender-based violence and inequity. Therapists and advocates recognize the pervasive nature of trauma and promote environments of healing for improved outcomes. Educational and Employment Services supports individuals on their path to empowerment. The Children’s Learning Center addresses the need for quality childcare and educational programming, helping children prepare for school and beyond through intentional, age-appropriate learning experiences.
The agency’s impact resonates throughout the community beyond the women, men, children, and families who reach out for our specialized services. Now, we are entering a new chapter by bringing programs together in one space to expand and streamline accessible and inclusive services.
Together with your partnership, we are building safe and thriving communities that will change lives and strengthen families.
“I felt like I was drowning but WRCNM helped me access resources and opportunities that have opened a new chapter to my life.”
Our Impact
Since 1977, WRCNM programs have touched thousands of lives and have been pivotal to building a safer, more empowered, resilient community. Over the past year, WRCNM provided:
- Advocacy, support, and counseling services to 671 adults and children impacted by abuse and assault. 100% of those served show an increased knowledge of their rights as crime victims and available legal options.
- Forensic interviews of 51 children impacted by violence, abuse, and neglect.
- Assistance to 1,016 callers to the 24-hour help and information line; 96% reported the call helped them feel supported.
- Outreach and educational programming that reached 2,851 individuals in schools, professional groups, and the broader community.
- Crucial support to 177 individuals with academic and career advising; facilitating $84,361 in scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals.
- An enriching environment to learn, grow, and engage for 66 students enrolled at the Children’s Learning Center and Preschool.
Your impact starts here
Let us help you plan the most impactful gift that meets our shared vision.
WRCNM accepts gifts in several forms, including IRA-qualified charitable distributions, stocks, donor-advised fund distributions, and general cash gifts. Gifts of any amount are appreciated.
Together with your partnership, we are building safe and thriving communities that will change lives and strengthen families.
Gail Kloss, Executive Director
(231) 347-0067, ext. 114
Kari VandenBrink, Development Director
(231) 347-0067, ext. 116
423 Porter Street, Petoskey, MI 49770 | wrcnm.org
Fiscal Integrity
WRCNM has a reputation for responsible and effective fiscal management of a multi-million dollar budget. Financial procedures and fundraising activities are guided by agency policies and funder compliance. WRCNM’s annual budget is funded through a diverse range of sources, such as:
- Public and private grants
- Individual donations
- Planned/estate gifts
- Gold Mine Resale Shop revenue
- State and federal grants
To ensure agency longevity, endowment funds are held by WRCNM at:
Fiscal oversight is provided by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Annette Eustice, President
Erika Van Dam, Vice-President
Deb Kiteley, Treasurer
Claire Hollis Forster, Secretary
Laura Dinon
Diana Eberhart
Payton Heins
Natalie Blake Kasiborski
Debra Kiteley
Beth Lohman
Taylor Malpass
Diane Raab
Karen Ragland
Lindsey Young
Building and Design Committee
Toni Felter
Erika VanDam
Lindsey Young
Campaign Steering Committee
Sarah Cohen
Laura Dinon
Claire Forster
Natalie Kasiborski
Maggie Kromm
Martha Lancaster
Jan Mancinelli
Toni Moriarty-Smith
Trish Murray
Finance Committee
Karen Clark
Diana Eberhart
Courtney Font
Deb Kiteley
Judy Mainland
Karen Ragland