News & Updates

Women’s Resource Center Shares New Vision with More Than 100 Community Members

The weather said stay home. More than 100 people came anyway. Now WRC invites everyone to believe in the vision
and be part of what comes next.

DURANGO, Colo., Oct. 1, 2026: The Women’s Resource Center of Durango (WRC) unveiled its new vision Wednesday evening before more than 100 people at Union Social House: “When our clients transform their lives, they transform our community.”

Billed as “WRC: Our Vision. Our Future. Together.” the evening was the community’s first public look at six months of rebuilding. At its close, WRC asked the community for two things: to believe in the vision, and to engage in the work of bringing it to life. The response was warm, and many guests asked to learn more.

A rainy midweek evening did not keep La Plata County home. Philanthropists, donors, community partners, volunteers, clients, and a distinguished group of former WRC board members, whose leadership built the foundation WRC stands on today, filled the room. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, and live music from Schaefer’s Lumber Wagon before a 20-minute program from WRC’s Board Co-Chairs and Executive Director.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us,” said Board Co-Chairs Jenny Tabak and Patti Salomon in a joint statement. “A rainy Wednesday could easily have been a quiet evening. Instead, the room was full of people who care about this community and want to be part of what comes next. We can’t wait to share that journey with all of you.”

The Empowerment Pathway

At the center of the new vision is the Empowerment Pathway, which organizes everything WRC does into four stages: Stabilize, Strengthen, Advance, and Lead. Clients can enter at any stage. The Pathway is the model WRC uses to build long-term relationships with its clients. Every client has a plan, real milestones, and a partner for the whole journey. “Our clients set the goals. We walk alongside them and track every milestone,” said Kathleen Keene Jones, Executive Director of WRC. “For six months, we listened. Then we rebuilt around what this community told us. This week was only a first look. If you have questions about our new vision and our new operating model, I would love to sit down together and discuss.”

WRC will also serve as a hub for La Plata County. Rather than duplicate what other nonprofit organizations do well, WRC refers clients to the partners who do the work best and adds value to every referral. The Empowerment Pathway is the model WRC is using to create transformative change, help built to last.

Growing Step by Step

The Empowerment Pathway will unfold in phases. New programs, including targeted support groups and adult financial literacy, will launch over the coming year as resources grow. “Our current capacity reflects where we are today, not the limits of our ambitions,” said Kathleen Keene Jones. “The vision tells us where we are going. The plan gets us there, one step at a time.”

Proof That It Works

With WRC's support, Heather Hinsley launched her first business in 2008. Today she runs Delicious Details in Durango's historic Smiley Building, has published a memoir, and plans to mentor others, an example of the Pathway's fourth stage, Lead. WRC also announced a revamped pilot entrepreneurship program with the first award going to Kaija Carraway: a one-year grant, mentorship from Natalie McLean of Adela Flora, and connections to SCAPE and the Small Business Development Center.

How to Engage

Wednesday evening was a first look at the vision and the Empowerment Pathway. Please contact Kathleen Keene Jones at kathleen@wrcdurango.org, to set up a one-on-one meeting or to learn more about the small fireside chats WRC is convening this fall to walk through the model in more detail.

There are many ways engage in the work of bringing the new Vision to life. Volunteer at wrcdurango.org/volunteering, share your expertise as WRC grows, become a client, or refer someone who could use a path forward. And to invest in this work, donate to the End of Year Campaign 2026, Empowering Women, Transforming Lives, at wrcdurango.org/donate.

With Gratitude

WRC extends its deepest thanks to the evening’s sponsors: Southwest Water & Property Law, Durango Motor Company, TBK Bank, and Serendipit Consulting. Special thanks also go to Union Social House, Schaefer’s Lumber Wagon, and Delicious Details for helping make the evening unforgettable.

July 21, 2026

WRC Elects New Board Co-Chairs as Team Grows to 20 Strong

The Women’s Resource Center of Durango announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Jenny Tabak and Patti Salomon as Board Co-Chairs. Both were instrumental in stabilizing and rebuilding the organization over the past year, and their election marks a new chapter of leadership for the nearly 40-year-old nonprofit serving women and girls in La Plata County.

Tabak, a WRC volunteer since 2023, brings more than 25 years of executive experience in enterprise technology and human capital strategy, including over a decade at UKG partnering with senior leaders on people-first business strategy. Salomon is a Durango entrepreneur who founded and operated Salt 360 Float Studio for seven years, following more than two decades in operations leadership at McDonald Publishing Company in St. Louis.

“What we are seeing is remarkable,” said incoming Board Co-Chairs Jenny Tabak and Patti Salomon in a joint statement. “People are coming to us and asking how they can help. Volunteers, professionals offering their skills, community members who want to serve. That kind of energy does not happen by accident. It happens when people believe in where an organization is headed.”

Their election comes as WRC’s team has grown to 20+ people. The team spans every corner of the organization: staff members, board directors, intake volunteers, volunteer advisors, interns, pro bono professionals, and contractors providing finance, IT, and development expertise: the broadest base of active involvement WRC has seen in years.

Since March, when Executive Director Kathleen Keene Jones took the helm, WRC has undertaken a comprehensive Community Listening Tour, welcomed Anna Donovan, as our Client Relations Manager, and Anna Layden as part-time Development Advisor, seated new board membership, made plans to launch an Advisory Council, and hosted a golf tournament that brought together dozens of local businesses and donors in support of its mission.

Behind the scenes, the team has been working on three fronts: listening to the community to rebuild trust and hear directly what women and girls in La Plata County need most; stabilizing and modernizing WRC’s internal operations and systems; and developing a new operational model that moves WRC’s work from transactional to transformative: in collaboration with partner organizations at its core and a client-centered approach to every service.

“Every one of these 20 people chose to be here,” said Keene Jones. “They are the story. My job is to make sure their time, talent, and belief in this mission translate into real outcomes for the women and girls we serve.”

WRC will mark its next chapter with a community preview event in August, with additional announcements planned for later this summer.

WRC is actively welcoming new involvement. Community members interested in volunteering, serving on the board of directors, or joining the forthcoming Advisory Council are encouraged to reach out at kathleen@wrcdurango.org or visit WRC’s website.


March 2, 2026

Women’s Resource Center Announces Kathleen Jones as its New Executive Director

It is with great excitement that we introduce Kathleen Keene Jones as our new Executive Director, beginning March 2, 2026. At a pivotal moment for women and families in La Plata County, Kathleen brings both global leadership experience and a deep commitment to the economic empowerment of women and girls.

Global Vision, Local Impact: Kathleen brings more than 20 years of leadership experience addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges:

Humanitarian Heart: From designing multimillion-dollar programs to supporting communities in Africa and the Middle East to creating early warning systems that saved countless lives in South Sudan, Kathleen has been a champion for mission-driven work, advocating for women's rights and international peace and security.

Climate Leadership: Chief of Staff to the Director General for the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), supporting the leadership team in coordinating a 300+ person, international operation and stakeholder process that helped deliver landmark outcomes on fossil fuels and climate adaptation.

Expert Bridge-Builder: Kathleen is a master at mobilizing diverse groups of people–from local volunteers to international heads of state–to find common ground and secure the funding needed to make a real difference in people’s lives..

A Heart for Community and Stewardship: After two decades in international leadership, Kathleen has chosen to focus her experience and energy on strengthening the lives of women and girls here in La Plata County. A resident of Durango, she isn’t just a leader; she is our neighbor.  Whether she is working in her ceramic studio at the Smiley Building or representing parents on the School Accountability Committee for Animas Valley Elementary, Kathleen’s dedication to our community runs deep.

Looking Ahead: Kathleen is ready to bring her “steady under pressure” leadership style to the Women’s Resource Center, ensuring that women and girls in our community are served throughout their lives. “Kathleen’s ability to lead with clarity, compassion, collaboration, and strategic focus makes her an exceptional fit for this moment in our organization’s history,” said Ashley Truitt, WRC Board President.

Kathleen looks forward to meeting the partners, volunteers, clients, and community members who make this work possible and to building the next chapter of WRC’s impact together.

February 19, 2026

Women’s Resource Center Welcomes Local Leaders Ellen Stein and Rachel Hartgen to Board of Directors

The Women's Resource Center (WRC) is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished community leaders, Ellen Stein and Rachel Hartgen, to its Board of Directors. Their combined expertise in global development, strategic communications, and nonprofit leadership will further the WRC's mission to advocate for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women and girls in La Plata County.

Ellen Stein: A Force for Community and Equity:

With over 30 years of public service spanning the San Juan Mountains to West Africa, Ellen Stein brings a wealth of experience in building impactful institutions. An entrepreneurial leader, Stein founded the Mountain Studies Institute in Silverton and the Community Agriculture Alliance in Steamboat Springs and has held leadership roles in numerous organizations.

Currently, Stein serves as Opinion Editor and Editorial Board Member for The Durango Herald and The Cortez Journal in Cortez, using her background in strategic communications and philanthropy to strengthen the institutions that sustain local communities. A former Peace Corps volunteer and dedicated mentor, she has dedicated her career to strengthening communities and advancing equity.

"Ellen’s deep roots in Durango and her history of mission-driven leadership make her an invaluable asset to our board," said Ashley Truitt, WRC Board President. "Her commitment to equity is woven into everything she does."

Rachel Hartgen: A Strategic Powerhouse for Global and Local Impact:

Rachel Hartgen joins the board with 17 years of leadership experience across the non-profit and for-profit sectors. As the Senior Director of Education and Skills for CARE USA, Hartgen oversees a global portfolio designed to equip youth with the tools to succeed in the modern economy. Her professional expertise is anchored by a dual Master’s degree in Economics and International Development.

Since moving to Durango in 2025, Hartgen has quickly integrated into the local business community as the owner of Thrive Artisan Boutique on Main Street, a space dedicated to ethically made, handmade goods.

"Rachel’s ability to drive impact at scale, from local initiatives to global programs, brings a unique, strategic perspective to our organization," added Ashley Truitt, WRC Board President.

February 2026

We are pleased to announce the reopening of WRC

We are thrilled to open our doors once again. To ensure a smooth transition, we are starting with limited service hours: Monday & Thursday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Thank you for your patience and support. We are already working on extending our schedule and hope to offer more hours very soon!