During WINGS Annual Meeting, it was announced that A New Direction (AND),
an organization on the southwest side of Chicago, would become part of WINGS. WINGS had been looking for a way to expand its Chicago-services beyond the Metro Safe House, and the community-based services AND provided were the right fit.

Founded in 2011, AND provided counseling, legal advocacy, education and
support to families affected by domestic violence in Beverly, Morgan Park, Mt. Greenwood, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, and the surrounding communities. As a program of WINGS, AND continues to serve these communities with its services, allowing WINGS to further its mission to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to break the cycle of domestic violence for more
individuals and families in the Chicago area.

Although AND is now a part of WINGS, support for the local counseling agency has not wavered. AND Board members have joined WINGS newly created A New Direction Leadership Council, Jessica McCarihan, former AND Executive Director, has joined WINGS Board of Directors and a long-time employee remains a domestic violence counselor working out of their office in the community.

Jessica said, “Since day one, helping survivors overcome domestic violence as they navigate their journey to safety has been AND’s top priority. Together with WINGS, we are confident our legacy will grow more quickly and empower more Southwest siders seeking to liberate themselves from the life-threatening constraints of domestic violence. We are grateful to our loyal supporters and for this opportunity as we look to our future together.”