Volunteers are crucial to many aspects of WINGS mission. Last year WINGS 2,524 volunteers donated 56,318 hours of service. This is the equivalent of 27 full-time employees. As April is National Volunteer Month, WINGS volunteers share why they continue to donate their time to the largest domestic violence agency in Illinois. We hope you enjoy their responses and consider volunteering at WINGS.   Mentors Volunteer mentors in WINGS innovative Survivor Lifeline Program are a crucial part of the program’s success. Survivor Lifeline pairs compassionate volunteer mentors with survivors moving ou ..read more

A New Direction (AND) became a program of WINGS in 2022; however, Program Coordinator Rita has been dedicated to serving survivors in the Beverly – Morgan Park neighborhoods for 40 years. As March is National Social Worker Month, learn more about A New Direction and Program Coordinator Rita’s Dedication to Survivors in the community. A New Direction provides the following services at no cost to clients: Domestic violence education Crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, education, and support Resource referrals Legal advocacy to navigate Illinois’ legal system for: Divorces Orders ..read more

Over the last seven years, WINGS Resale Stores have provided more than $183,000 worth of donations to survivors. Have you ever wondered how WINGS Resale helps clients?   Impact on WINGS Safe House Survivors Nancy H, WINGS Resale Store Manager – Arlington Heights, Niles, shares: “On many occasions, families arrive at our safe homes with just the clothes on their back.”   A detailed request from the safehouse is sent directly to the resale store. Staff and volunteers will quickly fill the order consisting of clothing and footwear. The request is filled in within a few hours and de ..read more

Take a peek at WINGS new 5,218 square foot Foglia Family Resource Center (FFRC), including its meditation room, children’s group counseling rooms, and staff reflections on a dream come true.   A Dream Come True From Left: Rebecca Darr, WINGS President & CEO; Beth, WINGS Director of Children and Family Services; & Megan, WINGS Manager of Clinical Services at FFRC Open House November 2023. When WINGS Fogila Family Resource Center (FFRC) opened November 2023, it was a dream come true for Beth, WINGS Director of Children and Family Services. Beth shares, “A couple of years ago, I wa ..read more

  Rebecca Darr Celebrates 25th Year as Leader of WINGS Program, Inc.   Growing the domestic violence agency from $350,000 to over $13 million, Darr plans monthly celebrations Printable Press Release Here   Rebecca Darr, WINGS President and CEO Chicago, IL, (January 22, 2024) – WINGS Program Inc., the largest provider of domestic violence services in Illinois, is celebrating Rebecca Darr’s 25th anniversary as leader of the agency. Once a month, WINGS will hold a party commemorating a program or service expansion in honor of Darr’s leadership. The first celebration will be held ..read more

Ximena* (center) receives David K. Hill award at WINGS Purple Tie Ball from Purple Tie Ball Co-Chairs. From left: Debby Jackson, Ximena, and Melissa Canning. Ximena* was recently awarded WINGS 2023 David K. Hill Award recognizing an inspiring survivor. Ximena’s* Journey with WINGS is shared below in her own words. “Sometimes in life, one phone call can completely change your life. My name is Ximena* and this is my story. It’s not how I expected my life to turn out, but I promise you, it has a happy ending.”   Isolation “I knew the person who later became my abuser for many years ba ..read more

At a local high school community fair, WINGS Children’s Advocate, Ilona was overseeing a table about WINGS resources. Suddenly she looked up and saw a past client, Molly. Moments later, Ilona was receiving the biggest hug from Molly. After reconnecting with Ilona, Molly shares her experience and how WINGS was a huge turning point in her life.   Back in Time “This fall, while at my son’s high school open house a face stuck out to me and brought me back in time. Back to a time when my son and I were residents at WINGS. It was Ilona! I looked forward to my time every week with Ilona while li ..read more

  Foglia Family Resource Center Opens for Survivors of Domestic Violence   WINGS Counseling Services Expand to Provide Free Services to Youth in the Community From left to right: Denise Urban, WINGS Executive Vice President and CFO; Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi; Matthew Baumann, WINGS Board of Directors Immediate Past President; Rebecca Darr, WINGS President & CEO; Darla Swango, WINGS Board of Directors; La Tonya Walker, WINGS Chief Program Officer; and Lara Sanoica, Mayor of Rolling Meadows. Printable Press Release Here   Chicago Suburbs, IL, (November 17th, 2023) – W ..read more

Read about WINGS Children’s Advocate Ilona’s touching reunion with survivor Molly as Ilona reflects on the importance of WINGS mission.   Just a Normal Resource Fair Until… At a local high school community fair, WINGS Children’s Advocate, Ilona LCSW, CDVP was overseeing a table about WINGS resources. Suddenly she looked up and saw a past client, Molly. Moments later, Ilona was receiving the biggest hug from Molly.   Reflections WINGS Children’s Advocate Ilona, LCSW, CDVP Ilona reflected back to when she met Molly and her son at WINGS Safe House several years ago. At the time, Molly ..read more

This summer, WINGS Annual Celebration of Courage honored 15 survivor graduates and their children through a virtual celebration. Graduates shared inspirational messages and WINGS impact on their journey to freedom. Additionally, each adult and child currently in the program was recognized for the goals they have achieved. Children’s Advocate shared each child’s individual successes and pictured are some of their many achievements. Some children would unmute and say hello to their Children’s Advocate, creating touching moments. Children’s achievements were recognized. A Word Cloud summary of a ..read more