Empowering women
Although the Women’s Centre Rodney (WCR) was established over 30 years ago, moving to their current location in Morpeth Street in Warkworth allowed the organisation to really grow and improve, and in turn better support women in need; reducing isolation and promoting family wellbeing.
The whare has provided a safe haven in the community where local women can either drop-in for a cup of tea and a chat Monday to Friday, or take part in all the wonderful things that the WCR offers. Staffed by a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, the primary goal of the WCR (a non-profit organisation) is to improve the lives of women in the local community by providing them with a safe and supportive environment where they can access the resources and services they need to overcome any challenges they are facing.
“We see ourselves as a pillar of support for women at any stage of their journey, whether it’s in crisis or averting crises, or for women who wish to build stability and resilience so that they can flourish,” says Jo Nicholson, Centre Manager of the WCR. “Sometimes, all women need is just a bit of a hand up – not a handout – to refill their tank. Providing a place where they can gather and connect with others is a simple notion but it can work wonders. It’s about supporting them and their families in the best way that we can.”
A wide range of services and programs are on offer at the WCR, including emotional support, counselling, legal advice, support groups, financial assistance, education and training programs, domestic violence support, health and wellness, community connection, personal growth and development.
This year, the WCR has a few new courses on offer. One of them is Women of Worth (WOW) – throughout this program women will discover their unique worth and strengths, and how to use them to their advantage in a lasting way. They will also explore how to make changes and develop a realistic plan that will help build a better life for themselves and their family. Another amazing initiative new to WCR, is the Super Grans program, which is about bringing in people (not necessarily grandparents) who can share a particular life-skill through one-on-one mentoring and workshops.
To help the WCR continue to operate independently so that they can continue to inform, empower and support all women, the WCR welcomes public support. Ways to do this is to donate, join the WCR (membership is open to all women, of any age, interest or background – all that is required is a monthly contribution), or volunteer. There are always projects that need contributions from volunteers with certain skill sets, whether it be technology, design, business, marketing, legal, media skills or beyond. The WCR is also always looking for warm and friendly women to be ‘volunteer hosts’ at the whare. The role is to welcome women, provide basic information, conversation and perhaps make cups of tea.
www.WomensCentreRodney.org.nz