It’s not too often you find an organization whose ultimate goal would mean the end of its existence, but that’s the mission at WRC – formerly known as the Women’s Resource Center. Dedicated to addressing and eliminating sexual assault and domestic violence, the nonprofit is a leader in providing housing, emergency shelter, mental health services, case management, clothing, and education services that save lives and rebuild futures.
“We lead the way in transforming survivors into thrivers through comprehensive, survivor-centered support,” said Ariel Reyes, Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit that has been a San Diego Foundation Nonprofit Fund partner for nearly 20 years. “Our work empowers survivors to build stability, independence, and lasting success.”
Comprehensive Support for Survivors
WRC’s extensive services include:
- Emergency shelter: Leading housing provider for survivors, serving a region of over 1 million residents from Del Mar north to Oceanside and Encinitas and east past Poway. In fiscal year 2024–25, 230 individuals found refuge for a combined total of 11,315 nights of safety.
- Transitional housing: 23 Fully furnished apartments providing up to 24 months of stability, resulting in 4,380 nights of safe and stable housing for survivors.
- Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) program: Provides free, confidential advocate accompaniment to forensic exams and court hearings. Empowering survivors through information and resources to thrive.
- 24/7 emergency hotline: Immediate assistance for anyone experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault—available every hour, every day, all year. Last year, we responded to 5,057 calls for help, ensuring no one faces crisis alone.
- Spirit of Giving program: Over 1,600 gifts distributed to 209 families and 549 children during the 2025-26 holiday season. Each child receives three presents and selects one for their parent or guardian.
- Resale and thrift store: A source of clothing, furniture, and household goods that, last year alone, served 17,937 community members in need.
- Cost-free mental health counseling: Individual and group sessions designed to foster healing, resilience, and hope.
“If it weren’t for this program, I don’t know where I’d be,” said one male survivor, a father who preferred to remain anonymous.
Addressing Root Causes
Education and prevention are central to WRC’s mission, as the nonprofit’s commitment is to long-term sustainability. It is among more than 100 partners in One Safe Place, a San Diego County District Attorney’s Office-led initiative providing wraparound services for survivors of abuse, sexual assault and other crimes, ranging from assistance in securing a restraining order, trauma therapy, and help finding access to healthcare and housing.
WRC also collaborates with school districts to educate students about consent, recognizing the signs of abuse, and how to ask for help. These efforts contributed to a decline in domestic violence-related homicides in the North County from eight in 2023 to zero the following year.
A Safe Harbor for Healing
A cornerstone of WRC’s work is its transitional housing center, where each apartment includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and private bedrooms. All units are freshly painted, fully furnished, and equipped with wood laminate flooring. When residents move into permanent housing, they are encouraged to take the furnishings with them as they start anew.
The center also includes spaces for children’s emotional well-being – a play therapy room for children up to 5 years old, an art therapy room for elementary school children, and a teen room with video games. Outside, youth can enjoy bicycles, a basketball court, and a playhouse.
How You Can Help
Founded in 1974 as the Women’s Resource Center in response to a surge of sexual assault cases reported to the Oceanside Police Department, the nonprofit has evolved to serving all survivors, regardless of gender, under its current name, WRC.
WRC operates on a lean budget and is supported by more than 100 volunteers, twice the number of paid staff. As government grant funding declines at both the federal and state levels, WRC increasingly relies on private philanthropy to keep its doors open. Today, 70 percent of its operational budget comes from individuals and corporate donors. And while SDF fundholders, regional affiliates, and programmatic initiatives have proven invaluable over the years, costs are growing. At its core, this work exists to ensure survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are supported beyond recovery, with the opportunity to heal, rebuild, and ultimately thrive.
“It’s incredibly meaningful when someone who once came to us for support later returns as a donor,” says Ariel Reyes, CEO of WRC. “These are individuals who found the stability to go back to school, pursue a career, and rebuild their lives give back because they have experienced the lasting impact of the work we do at WRC.” Reflecting on the organization’s strong partnership with San Diego Foundation, Reyes adds, “They are deeply connected to the community, and that shared commitment matters. At our core, we’re both driven by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to move forward with dignity and support.”
