The Women's Opportunity Center (WOC) originated from a group formed in a local woman's kitchen in 1979 that helped displaced homemakers enter the workforce after divorce, separation, or widowhood. Since then, the WOC has been part of the statewide Displaced Homemakers Program, which now includes 23 centers across New York State. In 1995, the Center incorporated as an independent not-for-profit organization and raised funds to purchase its current building at 315 N. Tioga Street. In 2002, the family of Mary Durham donated a second facility to the WOC to serve women in transition.

In recognition of the Center's growth into a multi-service organization providing employment-related resources to a variety of participants, the board of directors voted in 1998 to change the Center's name from the Displaced Homemakers Center to the Women's Opportunity Center. Through a Bridge Program grant from the SUNY Research Foundation, WOC's mission expanded again in 2002 to provide assistance to welfare recipients and their families as they transition off welfare. The WOC is a partner in the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board and is a United Way member agency. Donations are tax deductible.

Current programs offered by the WOC include job search and preparation workshops that emphasize job retention and the development of essential computer skills, career development, and the success of families in reaching their goals.

We are also associated with a number of other important human service organizations in Ithaca and the surrounding area. Click here to view a list of these agencies.