In 1983, a small group of women began discussing the unmet needs of women in Central Florida. These discussions prompted ongoing meetings and the group expanded to include representatives of various women's organizations, all eager to work together for the common good of women. The group felt a need for an organization to serve as a networking center, to provide a place to cross-reference women's concerns and to act as a resource for women living in Central Florida.

One year later, the Women's Resource Center (WRC) was officially founded with its goal to serve as a clearinghouse for women's issues. Its first members met throughout the year to study, plan and discuss what services for women were still needed.

The first "Salute to Women" banquet was held on Susan H. Anthony's birthday in 1984. At that banquet, the first Summit Awards were presented to women who had made outstanding contributions to the community, who had achieved meritorious goals and who were recognized as role models for others, especially young women. Summit continues to be WRC's only fundraising event.

In 1986, in response to the original goal of meeting unmet needs of women in our community, WRC founded Rape Response. It's goal was to provide sensitive, professional care and support to rape victims and their families. In only three years, Rape Response became self-sufficient, taking control of its destiny with its own director and board.

Today, WRC continues the mission began in 1983. WRC is a major sponsor of the Central Florida Clothesline Project. This program examines the issue of violence toward women and offers a time of healing to victims and their families. WRC works closely with P.A.C.E. School for Girls to provide programs to improve job and social skills. WRC also supports homeless programs ad programs for women moving from welfare to work.

WRC continues to offer its members the opportunity to meet the most interesting women in Central Florida, to build friendships based on shared experiences and to work together to improve the lives of all women.