Women's Resource Center Receives $500,000 Contribution from SC Johnson to Energize New Capital Campaign

RACINE, Wis., Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women's Resource Center (WRC) of Racine Inc. has received a $500,000 donation from SC Johnson to launch its $1.5 million capital campaign. Funds are earmarked for the development of a shelter in Burlington, Wis. to meet the growing needs of those impacted by domestic violence. A substantial portion of the funds raised will also go toward the renovation of the organization's current shelter in the City of Racine.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in the U.S.* The new facility, along with the WRC's Racine, Wis. shelter, will allow the WRC to better service community needs throughout Racine County.

"We had a dream when we launched our new capital campaign. With SC Johnson's generous support, we are well on our way to making this an attainable goal," said Cherie Griffin, WRC's Executive Director. "SC Johnson's contribution will help to change lives, and in many cases, save lives of victims fleeing from every corner of our community."

The WRC currently maintains a small operation on the west side of Racine County, but it is unable to provide nighttime shelter and weekend service hours there. The new Burlington facility will shelter 12-20 people depending on the configuration of families staying there at any given time. This location will also provide space for on-site supervised visitation, as well as counseling and legal advocacy services.

"We are honored to support an organization that is so committed to helping families through the trauma of domestic violence," said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. "We are pleased to do our part to make the WRC's dream a reality – it's not only an investment in the organization, but also in the well-being of our community."  

Planned renovations to the existing WRC shelter in Racine include upgrades to roofing, windows and electrical. The capital campaign will also fund expanded bathroom space and new security cameras and lighting. 

The organization is expected to take occupancy of the new Burlington facility in early December with the basic renovations to the new site planned for completion by the end of February. Renovations to the existing Racine facility have already begun.

*National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) National Fact Sheet

About Women's Resource Center
The Women's Resource Center (WRC) provides crisis intervention, advocacy, education and prevention services for a diverse population of victims or individuals at risk of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault by promoting positive changes for individuals served and the broader community in Racine County. WRC provides a place in the community where victims, day and night, can confidently turn when facing a crisis specific to abuse and/or assault. As the only domestic abuse shelter serving the entire Racine County area, WRC has provided refuge to thousands of women and children with potentially life-saving programs since 1977. WRC is a non-profit organization that provides information, education, counseling, referral, support, and shelter to battered women and their children.

SOURCE The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Racine Inc.; SC Johnson

Related Links

http://www.scjohnson.com