WINGS
Breaking the Cycle Of Domestic Violence
Youth and adult survivors write affirmations on a chalkboard wall in one of WINGS counseling rooms. These phrases are reflective of how WINGS assist survivors to heal.
Since the pandemic began, more domestic violence survivors are contacting the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline. According to a 2023 report from the Network Advocating Against Domestic Violence, more than 37,000 contacts were made to the Illinois Hotline. This is the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking call levels and a 50% increase in calls since 2019. Last year, 35 of WINGS clients listed their last address in Arlington Heights.
The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence.
As the largest provider of domestic violence services in Illinois, in fiscal year 2022 WINGS provided 984 survivors with 107,110 nights of shelter, safe housing, and community-based services. Since 1985, WINGS has provided over one million nights of shelter and safe housing to domestic violence survivors.
Recognizing that survivors all face different barriers, WINGS offers a continuum of services. Programs include: a Safe House in the northwest suburbs, WINGS Metro Safe House on the southwest side of the city, over 50 units of Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing, 100 Rapid Rehousing units, a comprehensive Children and Family Services program, and Community Based Services including hospital partnerships and mentoring programs.
WINGS operates three resale stores in the northwest suburbs, with one in Arlington Heights (1302 N. Rand Road, Arlington Heights). In addition to providing a revenue stream for WINGS domestic violence programming, these stores empower clients who have fled with very few personal items by allowing them to shop for their family with a WINGS gift card.
There are many ways to assist domestic violence survivors:
- Make a donation that helps survivors break the abuse cycle,
- Volunteer by sorting donations, assisting at a resale store, becoming a mentor and more,
- Hold a drive for critically needed items,
- Attend or support a fundraising event,
- Donate items or Shop at our Resale stores
- and more!
Explore all the ways you can make a difference on our website: https://wingsprogram.com/ways-to-help/
WINGS recently had a Children’s Program intern who as a child was in one of WINGS Transitional Housing programs. Not only has this survivor ended the cycle of violence in her family, but she is helping other youth and survivors do the same. Your support can help create ripple effects like these.