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Celebrate Women's Equality Day! |
 This month on August 26, we celebrate the 90th anniversary of women winning the right to vote! August 26, 1920 was the day the battle for women's suffrage was finally won. It was on that day that the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution became law. This amendment reads:
"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States of America or by any States on account of sex. The congress shall have the power by appropriate legislation to enforce the provisions of this article."
Women could now vote in the upcoming fall election. This right was long overdue. Votes for women were first seriously proposed in the United States in July 1848 at the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Small battles for women's suffrage were won state-by-state during the early 20th century. Michigan was one of the first three states to pass the law.
So this August 26, remember the women who fought for your right to vote and don't take it for granted.
If you're interested in learning more, join Grand Rapids Women's History Council in the screening of "Iron Jawed Angels" a 2004 HBO account of the late suffrage movement starring Hilary Swank, Angelica Huston and Frances O'Connor. The movie will be shown on August 26 at 7 pm at GVSU's DeVos Center. Learn more here.
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| In Her Words | |
"I had been out of work for over 15 months and used all the services of Women's Resource Center, like the resume coaching and Job Seeker Support Group. It was great to get out of the house, away from the tv and meet people who were going through the same things.
Women's Resource Center helped me keep my morale up. I was getting interviews but not job offers so I would come in and talk with a mentor about what to do differently. I was recently offered a full-time job with benefits and I'm so happy to have a job in my field!"
~ Mary, Recent WRC Client |
| Shoes for Success | |
 On June 23, local shoe store Mieras Family Shoes and luxury footwear manufacturer YALEET Inc outfitted Women's Resource Center clients with stylish Naot women's footwear. This is the third year in a row that the two companies have given Women's Resource Center clients this generous in-kind donation.
Photo By Emily Zoladz Grand Rapids Press
Roslyn Moe, Women's Resource Center's Working Women's Clothes Closet Coordinator, said "70% of our clients live on less than $15,000 a year. For women with next to nothing, this brand new pair of high-quality shoes is a special treat that helps them feel attractive and confident."
Women's Resource Center recognizes that a lack of professional clothing is a significant barrier to low-income women who are job searching and interviewing. The Working Women's Clothes Closet meets that need by providing clients with gently used professional clothing, including shoes and accessories. This important service helps women look their best, feel confident, and make a good first impression as they job search and move towards economic self-sufficiency. |
| Guys Who Get It |  For the past two years, Dr. Chet Zelasko has owned a health and wellness company that helps people save their own lives by making better choices. He has his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from MSU and spent many years as a college professor and consultant before striking out on his own.
Chet's philosophy of personal empowerment made his support of Women's Resource Center a natural. Chet first heard about Women's Resource Center through his wife, Paula, who donated business clothing to the Working Women's Clothes Closet. Before marrying Chet, Paula spent many years as a single mother and she commented, "If I hadn't been able to receive the support I did as a single mom and get my education, my life and my son's life would have been completely different."
Touched by her personal experience, Chet chooses to support local organizations like Women's Resource Center that provide a hand up to women who are struggling to get on their feet. Dr. Chet, thank you for sharing your story and for all your support of Women's Resource Center! |
| Great T-Shirt, Great Cause | |
 Check out these cute "Bella" tank top t-shirts with the positive message "Loved" from Something Beautiful We all need a reminder that we are beautiful and loved and these shirts fit that need perfectly!
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| Thank You for Reading! | |
We appreciate your interest in WRC and for reading this edition of the e-Newsletter. If you have any suggestions, comments or topics you would like to see addressed, please send your remarks to lmichael@grwrc.org or call (616) 458-5443.
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SAVE THE DATE!
4th Annual
Wine, Women& Chocolate
$25 per person
September 23, 2010
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The Zonta Club of Grand Rapids presents a panel discussion on:
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
featuring survivor and author Theresa Flores
with dessert reception.
Friday, September 10
7:00 - 9:00 pm
$40 per person
$20 students
GVSU DeVos Center
Loosemore Auditorium and Exhibition Hall
Purchase tickets at
Proceeds benefit:
The Zonta Club of Grand Rapids
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| WRC Is Funded
In Part By: | 
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