The Early Years
On March 8, 1983 the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC) was born out of harsh economic times and the determination of members of Committee of Women for Progress (CWP) to improve the lives of women and their families.
The CWP had a political and advocacy agenda and was instrumental in advocating for the adoption of the Maternity Leave Act (1979). “We had a very activist agenda. In the 1980s we needed another kind of response," explains Linnette Vassell, Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
- WROC's current home at Beechwood Avenue, Kingston
WROC started in one room rental on Central Avenue in Kingston but later settled into a building acquired at 47 Beechwood Avenue. At this new location, the organisation extended itself to include programmes aimed at improving the lives of the women and families of the surrounding Lyndhurst/Greenwich Park inner-city communities. These programmes focussed on health, legal services, counselling and education and outreach and support in rural communities.
Today, many of the programmes initiated in the early years-particularly in the areas of health and wellness and livelihoods-have expanded. Additionally, some new programmes that address the needs of children (e.g. Homework Centre) and the elderly (e.g. Senior's Club) have been created.
Regardless of the direction WROC takes with regards to its plans and programmes for the future, one thing remains the same - WROC will continue to fulfill its mission to "build and sustain an organisation that promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and youth".