The Golden Women’s Resource Centre (GWRC) has been an important part of Golden and the surrounding area since 1978. For over 45 years, this organization has worked hard to provide supports and services promoting the empowerment, safety and equality of women and girls. The organization has evolved over time as it has responded to the needs of the community and has taken the lead on a variety of initiatives that focus on positive social change as well as addressing pressing social issues.
The Golden Women’s Resource Centre is currently experiencing substantial growth as it expands into new service areas while continuing with existing programming. “This is an exciting time of development and change for our organization as we expand our offerings and adjust to ensure the best service for clients and the most supportive structure for our staff,” shares Courtney Allen, Chair of the Board of Directors. The Golden Women’s Resource Centre has recently added Sexual Assault Support Services – funded by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (MPSSG), and has revitalized its after school program for girls in grades 4 – 7 now called GEM (Girls Empowerment Movement). These are in addition to long standing programs such as the Golden Safe Home Program funded by BC Housing, Stopping the Violence Outreach, also funded by the MPSSG, as well as the Women’s Centre itself – a safe space for women* and girls to connect, relax, access computers and internet, as well as a free clothing store. (*All women welcome -trans & cis- as well as 2 Spirit, non-binary and gender queer folk comfortable in a space that focuses on the experiences of women.) The GWRC also continues to work collaboratively within the community to coordinate projects that support their mission, but also to ensure that the experiences of GWRC clients and members are considered in community decisions.
Linley McLean has been the Executive Director of the Golden Women’s Resource Centre since June 2009, and after nearly 15 years of leading the organization, she will be moving on. “In my time working for the organization, I have learned and grown so much – professionally as well as personally. I have had the honour of working with such excellent people within my role – the team at the GWRC, community partners, and the clients of the Women’s Centre. I am so proud of the growth and evolution of the organization that I have had the privilege of being a part of and as the Women’s Centre enters a new stage of growth, I have decided to pursue other opportunities. I believe in the vision and mission of the GWRC and I look forward to seeing how the organization continues to evolve,” says Linley.
The Golden Women’s Resource Centre will begin the recruitment and hiring process for a new Executive Director at the end of January 2024. “This dynamic role is a unique opportunity for a creative and compassionate professional who can bring together their vision, experience, and passion for social justice and lead the organization into this new era while cultivating the support and inclusivity we have always stood for,” says Courtney. “We are deeply grateful to Linley for her wise, compassionate, and strategic leadership. We support her transition into the next iteration of her career and are excited to see what she gets up to in the world!”
The Golden Women’s Resource Centre encourages anyone interested in the position to keep an eye on the organization’s website and the organization’s social media as the job description will be posted shortly, along with details on how to apply.
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