Staff Report
Nestled under the trees on Kingsway Rd. in Brandon is an organization that serves as a place of hope and transformation for many women in our community. For the past ten years, Cheryl English, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa and staff of volunteers, a group of women who themselves had overcome 
personal struggles, minister to women and children in their greatest time of need.
The Women’s Resource Center of Tampa is a place where families find respect, hope and the support they need to change their lives. It provides individualized support to families in crisis to identify and address their needs for emergency food, clothes, housing, employment, transportation, training and access to available resources. Clients come from all areas of town and all walks of life. Whether it is because of a divorce, domestic violence situation or the loss of a job, when one finds themselves with no where to turn, the Women’s Resource Center is there to provide them with the basic necessities often taken for granted. English said, “We have served clients living in their cars with their children and as heartbreaking as that is, knowing we are able to walk alongside them to get them into safe housing and help them get a fresh start, is the most fulfilling thing I could ever do in my life.”
“We are not only feeding their stomachs, we are feeding their soul” commented Liz Brewer, Board Member and Chair of their upcoming fundraising dinner. The Women’s Resource Center model is unique in that it is not one-directional giving. They meet clients where they are. Volunteers provide them assistance with clothing, job coaching, classes on budgeting, cancer support as well as how to cook affordable and healthy meals using a crock pot. Funding for the Women’s Resource Center is primarily from individuals, clients and private businesses in the community. You are invited to hear more about the Women’s Resource Center by attending the 10-year celebration event called “A Night of Hope” on Friday, February 7, at Fishhawk Fellowship Church, located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Special guest speaker will be Ryan Nece, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, who will be sharing an inspirational message and the Joshua Generation will be performing, so you won’t want to miss this exciting event. Silent Auction begins at 6:15 p.m. Corporate sponsorships are available as well as tables. Individual tickets go on sale on Thursday, January 2. Tables of eight cost $250 and individual tickets are $25 each. RSVP to WRCNightofHope@gmail.com or call 661-3696 (ext. 242).
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