Michelle’s Story

Michelle came to WINGS in 1993 when she was eight months pregnant with no car for transportation and no one to turn to.

“I was not in a good situation with my boyfriend at the time and didn’t want to bring my newborn home to the unhealthy environment we were living in,” Michelle says.

“To this day, I’ll never forget when WINGS called me to say I was accepted into the housing program. What a heaven-sent gift! I was shocked, happy, and relieved,” Michelle recalls.

“Once I moved in, I felt very blessed to have such great support services. With WINGS guidance and resources, I felt like I was becoming the best mom I possibly could be,” Michelle says.

Over the years, Michelle had another daughter and eventually found a career opportunity that she feels was the platform to success in her professional life.

Michelle has been working at a well-known local company and is currently the Senior Customer Service Specialist.

While Michelle has always been interested in making her community better, in 2019 she was voted in to serve as alderperson of Prospect Heights.

Maudell’s Story

In 2008, Maudell left a domestic violence relationship. She came to WINGS Transitional Housing Program with her eight-year-old daughter and nine months pregnant. She completed WINGS two-year Transitional Housing program in only six months.

“I could have given up, but I said, ‘no one is worth my children losing me.’ If there is anything I can leave, is it’s not always about you. It may not make sense now, but it will in the future,” Maudell says.

Ever since graduating from WINGS Housing program, she continues to find ways to give back. Maudell speaks to groups to advocate for WINGS whenever she is asked. She has been a mentor to other survivors.

Maudell says, “I work at organizations that contribute to 501(c)3s and WINGS is always at the top of my list.”