Winged Hope said goodbye after 13 years of serving the East Valley. I'm not sure how to summarize or describe the impact of 13 years and serving over 60,000 people through direct victim services, their advocacy center and shelter renovations, and training/education. I was never on the board or directly involved but for the last 11 years, I've done as much as I could to support and promote the work they've been doing. Winged Hope helped made an immeasurable impact on 10,824 victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other awful things that people shouldn't have to experience. The work they did was heavy, like real deep in your soul, why does this stuff happen?- heavy. They showed up with comfort, compassion, and resources for people who just had the worst day(s) of their life. Led by VVL neighbor Jessica Nicely, Winged Hope spread a message of light and hope in the darkest days of these victims' lives. 

After 13 years, this year's annual An Evening of Hope event was a beautiful tribute and farewell to the organization but we all know that the team and Jessica will be moving on to other ways to give and serve in the community, because that's how they're made and who they are. 

I look forward to supporting whatever they do next, but until then, Thank you Jessica and the entire Winged Hope team for being a light in the dark for so many people.