Women's Opportunities Resource Center

The Women's Opportunities Resource Center (WORC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social and economic self-sufficiency primarily for economically disadvantaged women and their families.

Mission and Programs

WORC's mission focuses on empowering its constituents through various programs designed to enhance economic independence. These programs include:

• Entrepreneurial Training: Providing skills and knowledge necessary for starting and managing businesses.
• Individual Business Assistance: Offering personalized support to help individuals achieve their business goals.
• Incentive Savings Programs: Encouraging savings habits through incentivized programs to foster financial stability.
• Access to Business and Financial Resources: Facilitating connections to essential resources for business development and financial management.
• Job Placement Services: Assisting members in finding employment opportunities.

WORC also operates the Economic Opportunities Fund (EOF), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides loans to low-income and underserved populations, particularly women and minorities, to support business growth.

Impact and Recognition

WORC's programs have had significant impacts on its beneficiaries. For example, as of 2016, its training programs had graduated over 3,600 individuals and supported the launch of 850 new businesses. The savings program had also helped over 1,400 individuals save a combined total of $5 million.

WORC has received several awards for its innovative approach to economic development, including the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Award for Small Business Development in 2019, the Innovation in Technology Award from the Association for Enterprise Opportunity in 2005, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Micro-enterprise Development from the U.S. Department of Treasury in 2001.

Values and Philosophy

WORC emphasizes the importance of personal financial management and economic development strategies. It values empowering individuals with basic life skills, fostering personal asset accumulation, and encouraging peer support and community involvement. By focusing on these core values, WORC aims to be a catalyst for positive, lasting changes in the lives of its constituents.

WORC also maintains a leadership role on both national and regional levels, ensuring that it addresses broader issues of economic equity and independence in the communities it serves.