I can't say enough about this program........ My son was incarcerated and this program put on Christmas programs to help the inmates be able to spend time with their children......I could not believe how all of these men were interacting will all of the kids. It was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time........these kids enjoyed spending time with their dads even though they were in such a secluded area. I know my grandaughter especially enjoyed her time spent with her dad that day!!!!!! I hope they contiue to bring their program to different communities so that others can experience them first hand......It totally made a difference! Thank you "Wings" for all that you do year round!!
More than seventeen years ago I found WINGS at a time in my life of dire need, when I had no one or no where else to go for support--financial, emotional, spiritual, and social support. WINGS had faith in me and the future for my daughter and I even when I didn't. I was able to pursue my education and stabilize my life while under WINGS' wings. I developed special lifelong bonds with some of the staff and volunteers (some of whom are still there)! As a graduate, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors until I relocated out of the area to further my education and career (of which, my experiences with WINGS enrich my abilities to educate others and train professionals to work with and help others who are like me). I have seen WINGS grow and expand and excel in areas other organizations can only dream of. I continue to support WINGS financially when I can (albeit not as much as I wish I could) and in spirit even when I can't be there in person. I continue to follow WINGS successes and accomplishments and keep in touch with the program. I am forever grateful to WINGS and have a special place in my heart for this organization. As a graduate of the program, a former board member, constant supporter, and professional social worker and academician, I can't say enough about WINGS and its impact on the lives of women and children in need.
After 40 years in the education world,I looked for a meaningful place to volunteer, after retiring. At the Niles Resale store, there is an abundance of things to do that support the whole WINGS program. The need for compassion and safe refuge for women and their families who are in a domestic violence situation is imperative. The revenue from the stores along with funding helps provide not only a safe house, transitional living, but advocacy for women who must "right their upside down lives".
I have been involved with WINGS for about 20 years- with longevity comes in depth knowledge of the organization. I have followed some of the clients when they 1st came to WINGS homeless and scared to the time they graduate WINGS and some I have been lucky enough to see return to volunteer and serve on the Board! The staff at WINGS are dedicated hard working as our the volunteers that give these women that extra hand so they can soar in the future! I am proud to put my money where my mouth is when it comes to WINGS- they operate on a lean budget getting the most from my donations!
I have been a volunteer at WINGS for many years. This program really makes a difference in our ladies' lives and their children. We give them a place to live and feel safe when no one else does. We give them food and clothing. We give them the required skills and tools to get them on their feet, make them strong and ready for the next step in their lives. I am proud to be affiliated with such a wonderful organization.
Volunteering for Wings has brought such a great pleasure to my life. They do a wonderful service for women and their children. I have only been a volunteer for just over a year, but I felt so welcomed from the very start which makes the experience even better.
I've been a donor/volunteer for Wings for just a year but feel like I've been part of a loving family for much longer. The services provided by this program are priceless. The women and children greatly benefit and it's evident after spending a short time with them. It is an honor to work with the staff of this invaluable organization.
I have been a volunteer at WINGS for years and not only are the women and children who use our facility greatful for everything that is done for them, but the volunteers are treated great as well. I love doing the back packs at the beginning of the school year. Reminds me of how happy I felt as a kid getting new notebooks and gym shoes, and pencils and markers. I also love to wrap the Christmas presents. We play Christmas music at our holiday site and you feel like one of Santa's helpers for sure. I love to see how generous folks are with their donations for our food pantry and our coat drive. These are much needed items during difficult times in this economy.
I have volunteered for WINGS in various capacities for more than 12 years. I have witnessed first hand the "hands up" rather than "hand out" stance of the organization, and the power that hands up attitutde brings for so many women. This organization truly makes a difference in the community.
This organization not only provides a safe haven from abuse but also provides counseling for themselves and their children. Let's not forget they are given vouchers to go to the resale shop to find clothes, warm coats, etc. since they left their homes with just what is on their backs, or to find an outfit appropriate for a job interview. All this to get families back on their feet ready for independence. I first became familiar with WINGS while working full time. Our company volunteered 30 people to a day of assistance and the women's organization regularly collected clothing to be donated to the resale stores. Since retiring, I am now a weekly volunteer helping to prepare home style cooked meals, gardening produce in the summer, office help as needed and organizing/wrapping gifts during the holiday. Happy to be able to give.
We have worked with Kati and Beth on the car wash fundraiser for a good number of years. Their dedication is hard to beat and the services that WINGS provide are very comprehensive. The fundraising assists the mentoring program and Kati the Director, and Beth are out there working hard from before it begins to after the close. The demand for assistance outstrips their ability so anything you can do to help wil be valued, and well spent.
I have been volunteering with the Wings Program for over 15 years, assisting the women with tax preparation. During this time I have been priveledged to meet and work with women (and their children)as they progress through different stages of the program. It has been very rewarding to see the women become independent and really improve their life and that of their children. It may sound trite but I have learned more from them, than I could ever teach/inform them.
I am a weekly volunteer at WINGS. The staff that I work with are the most caring and devoted people that one could ever hope to encounter. No task or challenge is too great for them to undertake. They are committed to their clients 100%+. I always look forward to my days at WINGS.
I have been volunteering with WINGS for 5 years now and find it a wonderful organization. The staff is truly dedicated to helping domestic violence victims rebuild their lives. I am impressed because they not only provide shelter, but give counseling in parenting skills, money management, and other skills needed to live a productive life. I'd hate to think what would happen to these families if WINGS wasn't there to help.
I am a volunteer for Wings but honestly I consider it a priviledge to work with such dedicated, loving and caring people. I am also extremely impressed with the programs available and the support given to women and their children whose safety is at risk and who often have nowhere else to turn. Donna Chevaleau
I contribute money to and volunteer time at WINGS. I am very impressed with the services offered by WINGS and the dedication of both the staff and other volunteers. It is a first class operation.
Though I have only been volunteering with WINGS for a short time, it has been time very well-spent. WINGS values its volunteers, requesting our input and offering genuine gratitude for our assistance and commitment. The staff at WINGS is devoted to the clients and to carrying out the agency's mission statement. Each person the organization serves is treated not as a victim, but as a survivor, and is given the time and the tools to mend and move on.