WCGL: Community partners celebrate collaborative efforts and begin final phase of renovation on Women’s Center of Greater Lansing

Contact: Cindie Alwood, Manuela Kress. 517.372.9163.  wcgl1710@sbcglobal.net

January 22, 2008 

Lansing, MI – After more than three years of working to secure the necessary funding and professional services, the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing and its community partners, including Allen Neighborhood Center, Capital Region Community Foundation, Centry Corporation, The Gillespie Company, Great Lakes Capital Fund, Liquid Web, Rusty Meska, Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund, NuUnion Credit Union, and the PB&J Foundation gathered today to celebrate the final phase of renovation of the organization’s 1712 E. Michigan Avenue site.

“The completion of this building has been a dream since we purchased the buildings in 2004,” said Manuela Kress, Co-Director, Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. “And with the help of so many individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations, we’ll now be able to offer services that local women in this area are desperately seeking.”

The Women’s Center has outgrown the 1,000 square foot space from which they currently operate. With the completion of the 1712 building, 2,000 square feet will be added and make it possible to provide computer classes, nutritional cooking classes, space for women to work on their job search and a place to house a professional clothes closet.

The final phase of the renovation is expected to be completed this spring and includes the renovation of the interior and exterior of the building.  An open house will follow the completion of the renovation.

The renovations are being made possible by grants from local foundations and donations from local individuals and businesses. The Capital Region Community Foundation provided funding for a wheelchair ramp and the first grant of $2805 in 2007 for completion of the renovations. “The Community Foundation is pleased to support the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, partnering with other community resources to help provide this vital agency with capacity building support and infrastructure improvements. The leadership of this agency is stepping-up to provide needed services where there was previously a gap in services for women in Greater Lansing. We commend their efforts and encourage community support,” stated Brad Patterson, Vice President of Program.   

The Great Lakes Capital Fund provided the Center with a challenge grant of $5,000. “Great Lakes Capital Fund is pleased to support the excellent work of the Women’s Center by providing a $5000 challenge grant for this expansion and renovation project on E. Michigan Avenue ,” stated Tom Edmiston , regional president. “This will provide quality space for the Center’s programs and it will contribute to the revitalization of this important commercial corridor.”

NuUnion Credit Union met the Great Lakes Capital Fund challenge grant. NuUnion Credit Union is committed to the communities it serves. Its $5,000 contribution to the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing supports the philosophy of creating opportunities, removing barriers, and helping people attain their financial goals. “There is continuing need in our community for resources providing support to women in crisis, and we’re pleased to partner with the Center and help those in need,” said Stephan L. Winninger, President and CEO, NuUnion.  “We’re proud to be part of the Center’s future and its mission to provide a wide variety of services to women in a nurturing environment.” 

“We are still in need of exterior work including the replacement of the vinyl siding, re-paving of the parking lot, and creation of an outdoor garden area to ensure the renovations are completely finished,” said Kress. “If you or your organization might be a good match for the Center, please contact us at 517.372.9163.”

The Women's Center of Greater Lansing is an independent, community based, 501(c)(3) private, non-profit. The mission of the Women's Center of Greater Lansing is to help women realize their potential, support each other, achieve economic self-sufficiency, and develop emotional and physical wellbeing, regardless of income level.