AWARDS
Non Profit of the Year
Wings of Hope
Wings of Hope began in 1979 with three friends who wanted to provide help to victims of domestic violence . The original three and other community members created a hotline that was staffed day and night . Initially victims were housed in hotel rooms until they were able to create a registered non-profit in 1981 and open a safe house .
Their current mission is to break the cycle of violence by providing safety , hope , and empowerment to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence , sexual assault , stalking , and child abuse or neglect . They seek social change through community awareness and client advocacy .
In 2011 , Wings of Hope received a capital grant from the Donald W . Reynolds Foundation and significant funds from the community with which they were able to build a secure state of the art facility . The facility has completely changed the way Wings of Hope operates for the better . The shelter can house multiple families at once , each family has a private room and bathroom as well as access to a kitchen , living room area , child play rooms , laundry facility , quiet room and playground .
Victims at the shelter are also offered counseling services by a licensed professional . They offer one on one therapy , group therapy , and play therapy for children . Wings of Hope provides advocates that meet with victims in their time of crisis . Advocates help families plan for safety , assist with filing emergency protective orders , offer organizational services and help with immediate needs .
Aside from sheltering victims , Wings of Hope is dedicated to ending cycles of abuse . They have multiple prevention programs where they discuss healthy dating relationships , signs of abuse , and making good choices . They also offer a batter ’ s intervention class that focuses on confronting issues of anger , assertiveness , self-esteem , marital conflict , depression , problem solving and life changes . The program is 52 weeks and is frequently court ordered .
One of Wings of Hope ’ s most impressive fundraising efforts is the Wings of Hope butterfly . Businesses and other organizations can purchase these butterflies to put out in front of their locations . Although it is more than a fundraiser , each butterfly has the Wings of Hope hotline on it for anyone who walks by to see . Another integral part of Wings of Hope is Thrifty Butterfly , an upscale resale store that not only helps fund Wings of Hope , but also provides clothing to victims at the organization .
Wings of Hope Family Crisis Center belives that all people regardless of race , status , age , gender , sexual orientation , or economics deserve safety and well being . In the past year they have offered services to over 1,000 adults and children , ranging from safe sheltering , counseling and advocacy . 277 women and children were housed in the shelter , their 24 hour crisis line fielded over 1100 calls and their prevention efforts were present through outreach services in our community . This organization is an illustration of what Stillwater nonprofit agencies are capable of by engaging with local partners , cultivating community support , and leveraging their resources to best serve families in our community .
In the past year Wings of Hope have offered services to over 1,000 adults and children , ranging from safe sheltering , counseling and advocacy .
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COMMERCE | 2023 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce