October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – The Power of Counseling

Posted by Sarah Swiston
On September 21, 2026
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The Power of Counseling

In a society where voices are loud about crime, the volume is too soft regarding domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and all month we will be highlighting the power of counseling in helping survivors heal.

The number of survivors seeking services to heal and break free from this violence continues to rise, at a time when a portion of government funding for our Foglia Family Resource Center (FFRC) has ended. With your help, we can provide more services for survivors like Kelly.*

Counseling room at WINGS FFRC.

Kelly* Shares:

“For over 10 years, I lived in a state of isolation.

I had already made progress in individual therapy after leaving an abusive relationship, but I don’t think I fully understood how much healing can happen in connection with other people until I walked into a WINGS group.

Trauma has a way of convincing you that you’re alone.

That no one could possibly understand what you’ve experienced. Then you sit in a room with women/people you’ve never met before, and somehow it feels like you’re surrounded by old friends. There were moments when someone would share a story and I’d think, ‘I’ve never been able to put that feeling into words.’

At other times, no one even had to say anything. There was an understanding in the space that didn’t need explaining. That kind of shared experience chips away at the shame and isolation that abuse leaves behind.

Sam created an environment where I never once felt like I was a burden.

She has a way of making every woman feel seen, heard, and genuinely valued. After spending years walking on eggshells and questioning my own reality, having someone consistently respond with kindness, patience, and validation was incredibly healing.

She doesn’t just facilitate a group-she creates emotional safety, and that allows people to begin rebuilding trust in themselves and in others. She is reliable and cares deeply.

Healing after abuse isn’t linear.

Some days you feel strong, and other days simply getting out of bed feels like a victory. WINGS understands that. It meets women exactly where they are, without judgment or pressure.

It reminds you that recovery isn’t about ‘getting over it’—it’s about slowly rebuilding your sense of self, your confidence, and your belief that life can feel safe again.

Programs like WINGS are life-changing.

They offer something that so many survivors have been missing for years: connection, hope, and the reassurance that you don’t have to carry the weight of your experiences by yourself.

I will always be grateful for the women I met, the support I received, and the reminder that healing is possible…even after you’ve spent years believing otherwise.

WINGS is a beacon of hope.

I know they always have my back, which means more than words can say.”

Connect with Us

Domestic violence is not a challenge that anyone can solve alone. It is only through collective awareness and action that we can continue to create pathways to safety, support, and lasting change. There are several ways you can make a difference.

4 Ways to Help

Donate Funds

WINGS Foglia Family Resource Center (FFRC) provides support and healing from domestic violence through dedicated staff like Sam. Critical government funding for the FFRC ended last month, survivors like Kelly are counting on donors like you to close the gap.

Donate Today

Learn about non-cash assets that can also make an impact here.

- DAF Day is October 8^th – Join supporters across the country by recommending a grant from your Donor-Advised Fund to WINGS Program, Inc.

Recommend A Grant Now

- National Estate Planning Awareness Week is October 19^th– 25^th. By documenting your wishes, you can create long-term certainty by ensuring your loved ones and domestic violence survivors are always supported.

Get Started

Volunteer

Volunteers are crucial to WINGS mission. You can make an impact: sort donations, assist at WINGS Resale, serve on our board of directors, and more.

Gather your coworkers, friends, or service organization to sort donations for our WINGS Resale stores, ultimately helping the survivors WINGS serves. Groups of up to 25 volunteers are needed now to help with donation sorting.

Learn More

Support WINGS Pantry

Nearly all survivors of domestic violence experience financial abuse, even those in affluent areas.

Help meet survivors’ basic needs by donating personal care items, grocery items, cleaning supplies, and more.

We will soon be collecting Holiday Gifts for families in our programs and will need your support to make the holidays special.

Learn More

Donate and Shop WINGS Resale

Donate your gently used items. WINGS clients can select items to create a fresh start and proceeds from store sales and recycling benefit WINGS comprehensive programs.