Women's Opportunities Resource Center
Organization Details
The mission of the Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC) is to promote social and economic self-sufficiency primarily for economically disadvantaged women and their families. WORC provides training, individual business assistance, incentive savings program, job placement, and access to buisness and financial resources. WORC empowers its constituents through various self-help strategies including savings, a self-employment network, and access to its local and national affiliations. Additionally, WORC encourages community awareness and responsiveness concerning issues impacting economic equity and independence.
Impact Story
Lalita, a certified childcare instructor, first came to WORC more than 12 years ago in pursuit of her dream to operate her own childcare center. She received entrepreneurial training to gain the knowledge and skills neccessary to manage her business. She opened her doors in 2004 and with the help of multiple loans from WORC over the years, her business has grown to employ 14 staff serving over 50 children. In November 2016, she received another loan of $10,000 to complete renovations on a space to open a second location.
Yazmin, an immigrant from Puerto Rico, had very little formal education and minimal English language skills when she first came to WORC. She was referred by a partner agency, the Empowerment Group, who provided translation services during the application process. Yazmin requested a loan to open a bakery in North Philadelphia which would specialize in Spanish/ Puerto Rican pastries, cakes, and bread. She was approved for $10,000 in September 2007 to purchase a commercial oven and additional equipment for her kitchen. Her business has been profitable since 2008 and continues to grow, with a staff of 10 employees.
