Women’s Resource Centre reports growing demand
A charity dedicated to supporting women reported that the number of counselling hours it provided more than trebled in 12 months as it marked “a year of extraordinary growth”.
The Women’s Resource Centre said that 2024-25 had been a transformative period under the leadership of Juanae Crockwell, the organisation’s executive director.
Its annual report showed that client intake increased from 36 women in the previous fiscal year to 97, while hours of counselling went from 137 to 529.
The charity said: “These figures underscore both the growing demand for accessible, trauma-informed support and WRC’s unwavering commitment to meeting that need with compassion and excellence.”
Ms Crockwell added: “Our evolution this year was both intentional and informed.
“Following a 2023 community needs assessment, WRC identified key gaps affecting women in Bermuda — including access to affordable housing, nutritious food, mental healthcare and legal advocacy.
“Our internal data reinforced these findings, and in response we expanded our service model to offer a more integrated approach.
“By combining counselling and therapeutic support with legal advocacy, hardship assistance, skills development and mentorship, we recognise that women’s wellbeing depends on the stability of their social, economic and emotional lives.”
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the WRC responded to 977 requests for support.
Of those, 41.5 per cent related to mental health, about 25 per cent were on legal matters and 15.5 per cent were linked to financial hardship.
Additional needs reported concerned housing and domestic abuse.
The WRC said: “These figures reflect the pressing social and economic realities facing women today and the importance of co-ordinated, accessible support systems.”
Community activities over the course of the year included a Purple Thursday Gala to raise money for the charity’s hardship fund, a Herstory festival that celebrated women’s stories through art and cultural expression, community birthing classes in partnership with It Takes A Village Foundation and collaborations with EmPowerMe Bermuda and other organisations to provide holistic wellness and life-skills support.
The WRC said: “The report also highlights the WRC’s commitment to collective action through strong community partnerships — including the transfer of the Transformational Living Centre programme to Home.
“This transition ensures continued support for women experiencing housing instability while allowing WRC to focus more deeply on its core therapeutic and advocacy-based programmes.”
Julia Hawkins, the WRC board chairwoman, added: “The achievements outlined in this report reflect the dedication of our staff and volunteers, the collaboration forged with community stakeholders and the courage of the women we serve.
“Together, we are building a more equitable future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.”
Looking ahead, the charity said that it would continue to be driven by a clear mission to create lasting change by advancing the rights, equity and wellbeing of women across the island.
It added: “With every counselling session, workshop and act of advocacy, the centre continues to shape a community where women are not just supported — they are seen, heard and empowered to thrive on their own terms.”
• To see the annual report, see Related Media
You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.
