Volunteers Share Why They Support WINGS

Volunteers are crucial to many aspects of WINGS mission. Last year WINGS 2,328 volunteers donated 64,153 hours of service. This is the equivalent of 31 full-time employees. As April is National Volunteer Month, volunteers share why they support WINGS, 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 out of domestic violence shelters.

We are in need of more survivor mentors! We are especially in need of mentors who speak Spanish. If you are more than one year removed from your personal domestic violence experience, have good communication skills, and are compassionate, this volunteer position could be for you.

Here is what volunteers shared about experiences volunteering as a mentor with WINGS:

Yulizet M.

“I’ve been volunteering as a Survivor Lifeline Mentor with WINGS since 2022, offering support and guidance to women rebuilding their lives after domestic violence. I empower them to regain confidence, set goals, and take steps toward financial and emotional independence.

WINGS is a breath of fresh air for so many women, and I’m honored to be part of their journey. Seeing their resilience and transformation is incredibly powerful. I volunteer to remind them they are strong, capable, and never alone. A new chapter is always possible!” Yulizet M.

Kristine U.

“I started volunteering with WINGS as a Survivor Lifeline Mentor in February of 2023 where I was matched with my mentee. Our relationship has grown into a friendship over these past 2 years…

I continue to volunteer for WINGS because I know what it is like to be in survival mode, and just pretending to be able to handle everything life throws at you. I went through my past traumas alone because I was ashamed and felt that I needed to do everything for myself to regain my independence and confidence. That is the farthest thing from the truth, I needed help and support from others who have experienced similar situations…

After learning all the resources that could have been available to me that I was not previously aware of, I decided that I do not want anyone else to have to go through this alone and there is nothing to be ashamed/embarrassed of. I want to provide hope for the future by supporting and educating others through their journey with realistic expectations that there are truly good and bad days, but now you will have someone to be there for all those experiences and we will get through them together.” Kristine U.

Jhoseline E.

“I will be a mentor. It will usually be through phone calls, but we could also meet at a secure location. It’s my first time volunteering for WINGS and I want to help people.” Jhoseline E.

Resale

WINGS is continually recruiting volunteers to assist at WINGS three Resale Stores in the Northwest Suburbs. WINGS is especially in need of volunteers at the Niles Resale Store.

Resale volunteers sort community donations, assist as a cashier, and/or a merchandiser.

Resale Volunteers share why they continue to volunteer below:

Lori A.

“I volunteer at the [WINGS Resale] Niles Store sorting and organizing community donations to be sold in the resale store.

I volunteer for WINGS because I believe in its mission to support domestic violence survivors and my desire to make a tangible impact. I find fulfillment in giving back, enjoy the sense of community, and take pride in helping a vital program through my work at the store. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute my time to a meaningful cause.” Lori A.

Bob R.

“I started volunteering in 2020 when I retired and I am currently volunteering at all three of our [WINGS Resale] retail stores, sorting donations and working with the artwork.

I enjoy working with the other volunteers and staff. You see all kinds of interesting things that get donated, and finally, it’s easy to volunteer knowing that WINGS Program is helping survivors of domestic violence try to start a new life!” Bob R.

Jessica L.

“I volunteer at WINGS Arlington Heights Resale Store and help with sorting donations. WINGS is a foundation that brings hope to the community. Also, the people I volunteer with are amazing. I feel like we are a great team.” Jessica L.

“I volunteer at the Arlington Heights [WINGS] Resale Store. I’m there to do God’s work and I really like it.” Heather A.

Maria B.

“I volunteer at the [WINGS Resale] Schaumburg location and I do whatever I can to help out. Show jewelry, help with the fitting rooms, take product from the back to the floor, and help bag items after checkout.

I love knowing that I can help people that are not as fortunate… I also really like the people at WINGS and the positive environment. If I had more time, I would volunteer more.” Maria B.

Darrel Z.

“I enjoy volunteering at [WINGS Resale Arlington Heights] at the Rand Road location. Not only is it convenient, but the entire team works so well together in presenting a positive, fun, and clean environment for clients.

We all pick up the slack in wherever its needed. ‘Donations’ is my favorite to volunteer in. Sorting, pricing, and displaying I think are my expertise. And of course, greeting as many clients as I see when I’m out on the floor.” Darrel Z.

Logistics Center

If you have a small group looking to volunteer together, volunteering at the Logistics Center might be the opportunity for you. Volunteers at the Logistics Center sort donations from the community, inspect items for damage, and categorize them for further processing.

“I would like to express my gratitude for hosting us at your facility. We genuinely valued the opportunity to contribute to your organization and to support the meaningful purpose for which we volunteered. We would be pleased to return in order to further demonstrate our appreciation.” Dorian F.

Safe House Volunteer

Volunteers at WINGS Safe Houses play an integral role in creating a safe and welcoming environment for survivors. WINGS is recruiting Safe House Hosts who assist with mealtimes and Safe House Lobby Volunteers.

Tara S.

“I volunteer weekly at WINGS Safe House where I assist with preparing and serving meals to the guests. Additionally, I help maintain a clean and organized kitchen, pantry, and dining area.

I find fulfillment in supporting both the staff and guests, as well as providing a positive presence at the Safe House. My time feels valued, and I take pride in knowing that my efforts contribute to improving the guests’ experiences as they work toward a better future.” ~Tara S.

Eileen C.

“Currently I’m involved with [WINGS Metro Safe House] the Southside WINGS program. After retirement from DCFS, 35 years of social services was still in my system. I read an article regarding domestic violence, contacted WINGS Program, and enrolled in the [40 Hour Illinois Domestic Violence] training. The training program exposed issues that warranted compassion and understanding.” Eileen C.

Judy T.

“I’ve been volunteering at [WINGS Suburban] Safe House every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-5:30pm during Homework Club for nearly two years. The program is designed to offer students extra academic support and assistance with their school assignments.

I wanted to give back to my community after retiring from high school teaching and volunteering at WINGS has been a great fit. I truly missed working with children, and spending time at the Safe House has been a fulfilling way to reconnect with young people. Collaboration with WINGS staff has been a joy as we work together to enrich the education of the children living at the shelter. These two hours are the highlight of my week!” Judy T.

Heidi S.

“Since 2022 I’ve been a volunteer at WINGS Metro, a domestic violence shelter that provides safety and support to individuals and families escaping abusive situations. My primary role is to assist the social worker by caring for the children while their mothers attend important meetings or counseling sessions. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that, through my work, I can create a safe and supportive environment for children during a very challenging time in their lives.

I continue to volunteer for WINGS because I believe deeply in the mission of the organization and the impact it has on the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Volunteering gives me a chance to make a tangible difference in my community, especially when it comes to supporting families who are rebuilding their lives. The work is meaningful and knowing that I am part of a larger effort to bring hope and healing to people in need motivates me to return every week. I also believe that change starts with us, and by giving my time, I can contribute to creating a safer and more supportive environment for those who need it most.” Heidi S.

Debbie M.

“…I am a believer in WINGS. I volunteer at the front desk at the Safe House and mentor survivors. I continue to volunteer because I see the positive difference that WINGS makes.” Debbie M.

Bonnie A.

“I love helping with Kids Group at the Safe House because I get to help make a difference with the children. Once, I helped with homework club, and saw a kid at the summer picnic that summer—and she said she was doing so good with math now!!! Wow, I loved that. 

Then, to make this a full circle with WINGS, I found out 10 years ago (??) that my grandmother left my grandfather because he was beating her! It was the 1930’s, she had my mom at the age of 15. She left with my mom & uncle who were 5 & 3 years old at the time. If she wouldn’t have done that, I wouldn’t be here.” Bonnie A.

Gina K.

“I volunteer with the kids groups and get to play with the little ones and chat with the older ones. Although they may be facing hard situations in their home lives or at school, they never fail to inspire me with their positivity and strength.

It always brings a smile to my face when the kids are having a good time, and it warms my heart when I see their compassion shine through. I also love the big smiles and hugs I get when I see them!

It has been a pleasure working with everyone at WINGS, both clients and staff. I can see that every single person I have crossed paths with at WINGS has dreams, and they are willing to persevere through all of the ups and downs to achieve them. It is amazing.

As an aspiring lawyer and current law student, I want to fight for those who feel like they do not know which way to go and feel unheard. My experience at WINGS motivates me to work towards that goal and help in any way that may bring relief or positive outcomes. These are just a few of the reasons why I love volunteering and can’t wait to continue the journey with everyone!”  Gina K.

& More!

Devi P.

“I volunteer as a Grant Prospecting Assistant helping find various funding for WINGS! Volunteering at WINGS has allowed me to give back to the community while being in college. I have met many wonderful individuals with similar passions, and I know my work is making a positive impact! I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute.” Devi P.

Susan H.

“My WINGS volunteer work takes me to high schools, community colleges, libraries, country clubs, hotel ballrooms, and wherever else WINGS needs me to tell people about the amazing services WINGS provides, to recruit volunteers, and/or to help victims of domestic violence tell their story.

I also use my communication skills to write award applications on behalf of WINGS – to bring greater attention to the good work of WINGS.

I continue to volunteer for WINGS because the work is meaningful, interesting, and appreciated. My work helps the organization, the victims of domestic violence, and my community. That’s a ‘three-fer!”

Thank You!

We are grateful for our volunteers who empower our mission. You are truly the wind beneath our wings!

If you are interested in any of our available volunteer opportunities, learn more here.