Women’s Resource Center announces “Rise Up” campaign

(From Hancock County Women’s Resource Center)

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is proud to announce the launch of the Rise Up capital campaign, which aims to raise $3 million to expand services and strengthen support for families in need in Findlay and beyond.

The campaign was officially launched at a special event on October 24, 2024, with the WRC already reaching 65% of its fundraising goal, raising just over $1.95 million. These funds will support new initiatives, construction costs, foundation support and donations to ensure the long-term sustainability of WRC’s Christ-centered services. As part of the event, the Generation House was dedicated in honor of the family of Rick and Tracy Hessling, whose major gift was instrumental in moving this initiative forward. When asked about the gift, the Hesslings said, “Our family is very proud to support the Women’s Resource Center because they not only support life, but they support the family after birth.” “They truly are the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need in our community.”

“We are called to stand up for families in our community—to support those who are most vulnerable and offer practical, emotional and spiritual support,” said Chrissy Montgomery, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center. “Under God’s leading, we have expanded our services and capabilities to better meet the needs of the families we serve.” The Rise Up campaign aims to create a safe and supportive environment for women, men and children facing difficult circumstances. Key initiatives include converting the WRC headquarters into a pregnancy clinic that offers free, limited obstetric ultrasounds and pregnancy tests. The newly renovated house next door has been transformed into a center for a fatherhood program, parenting classes, mentoring sessions and supervised visits.

Arise Campaign Goals:

• New Initiatives ($900,000): Expand programs to include clinical services, fatherhood mentoring, post-abortion recovery support, and family reunification.
• Construction Expenses ($600,000): Covers the cost of purchasing and renovating an adjacent home to expand the program and renovate the existing facility.
• Fund support ($825,000): Provides for operating expenses such as personnel, utilities and program sustainability over the next three years.
• Endowment Fund ($665,000): Establishment of a long-term fund to ensure the continuation of WRC services for years to come.

“We ask the community to rise with us—to support families who need guidance and care, mothers who learn to raise their children, fathers who become active and present, and people who make life-affirming decisions,” he said. Beth Reed, President of the WRC Board of Directors. The Women’s Resource Center believes that healthy families are the foundation of strong communities. With a Christ-centered mission, WRC strives to walk alongside families in need, offering support and resources to help them on their path to growth and hope.