MEMBERS of the Redlands Centre for Women have voted against closing the organisation.
The decision was taken at a special general meeting on Monday evening.
Announcing the meeting two weeks ago, acting chief empowerment officer Kerri Long said the Cleveland-based centre was at risk of closing its doors at the end of this month.
On Tuesday, secretary Sam Foster said members had decided the centre would continue as an incorporated association.
“We will continue to provide the services that we can and explore partnerships in the community to progress the values of the Redlands Centre for Women,” Ms Foster said.
“We are excited about suggestions and offers of support made by members at the meeting and will pursue those ideas and attempt to find additional sources of funding.”
In response to news of the centre’s plight, member Tatia Power said she had joined in 2014 during a low point in her life.
“I had a strong need to feel a sense of community around me at the time,” Ms Power said.
“On a whim, I dropped in to visit Katrina Beutel to ask how I could help.
“I couldn't have imagined how life-changing that decision would turn out to be.”
Ms Power said she had been involved in most aspects of the centre.
“I've supported many local women and in turn my family and I have been supported through tough times too,” she said.
“I'm honoured to have seen so many women grow and thrive through the programs and opportunities RCW has offered.”
Ms Power said the centre had helped her out of depression and given her a sense of purpose.
“It has given me a village of support that I cherish dearly as many of the women have become some of my closest friends.”
Another member said the centre had been a welcoming and vibrant place supporting women through all life stages.
The Redlands Centre for Women was started as Pink Pamper Packs in 2008 when Katrina Beutel took up a challenge to grow $100 into more money to help others.
Ms Beutel and some friends held a high tea fundraiser, using the money for pamper packs of goodies given to women going through a difficult time.
Less than three years later, they had distributed nearly 600 packs and established the Redland Centre for Women to empower and connect women.
The centre received government funding for a community services worker and an administration officer but this ceases at the end of September. Earlier this year sub-tenants of the premises the centre rents on Waterloo Street relocated.
At Monday’s meeting members were nominated to join the organisation’s management committee. This would need to be endorsed at a future meeting.
Ms Foster said the organisation would welcome sponsorships and donations.
Membership is $40 a year and available via redlandscentreforwomen.com. Donations can also be made via the website.