MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1999

From rags to riches

By Alexis O'Brien

On-line Forty-Niner

The Cal State Long Beach Women's Resource Center, established in 1975, has a rags-to-riches history.

From its humble beginnings - a desk located in the University Student Union - the center has grown into a large facility, complete with lounge, office area, computer work station, sofas and work tables.

When the center was first opened 23 years ago, it was called the Women's Referral Center. Shortly thereafter, it was closed due to lack of exposure. The Referral Center was then reopened in 1982 as the The Center for Continuing Education of Women. But that year proved to be unlucky for the center as well.

When the center's director declined to post anti-Equal Rights Amendment literature, the center was closed down once more. Finally, in 1985, the center reopened under its current name. Today, Director Marcela Chavez, Assistant Director Lynne Coenen and Office Manager Barbara Sinclair run the WRC. Students workers also volunteer.

"Besides being a place where one can come to just talk or relax, the center also offers crisis intervention counseling and referrals," Coenen said.

If a woman feels she may have been the victim of rape or any other crime, the center offers confidential support. This semester, the center sponsored many events, including a self-defense workshop, domestic violence seminar and several panel discussions.