Women in Quesnel have looked to the Women's Resource Centre for support, advocacy, counselling and drop-in services for the past 26 years.

However, political winds have battered the organization with funding shortfalls, mandate changes and canceled programs since it opened its doors in November, 1981.

But somehow the Women's Collective and the staff who keep those doors open tenaciously soldier on, meeting each challenge to the best of their abilities.

Current co-ordinator Melanie MacDonald, who has been in the job since August, believes in the same vision as her predecessors.

"We are always working towards ending violence against women and bettering women's rights," she said.

"Women before me have worked hard to raise public awareness and carry on the good work of the centre."

Without operating funds, WRC staff have been forced to cut back hours, drop programs and severely curtail their outreach and counselling time…

"We are seeing clients more desperate than ever," MacDonald said.

"Women are facing increased problems with such issues as housing, mental health, poverty and just basic needs.

"There's a basic lack of vision on both federal and provincial governments with ongoing funding cuts in child care, poverty and other issues."

When the Status of Women's federal mandate was changed, women's centres no longer fit the criteria.

McMillan sees clients on an ongoing basis addressing their physical needs as well as deeper psychological issues…

"There's been such an increase in demand."…

"Many days no one is available to be here and we have to lock the doors," MacDonald said….

"Our yearly costs are surprisingly low and it's disappointing to have those funds cut," MacDonald said.

"It takes very little to provide basic support to women.

"Women's issues are being ignored by our government and even the most basic supports, such as keeping WRC doors open and child care are being cut."…