Stories of Impact Series: WINGS Transforming Lives of Domestic Violence Victims

As we continue to celebrate our 35^th anniversary, we share with you Fatima’s* success story as part of our Stories of Impact Series. WINGS transforms the lives of many domestic violence victims by providing a continuum of services and helping them achieve lives free of violence.

Fatima*, a 23 year-old mother of a three year-old girl and a two month-old boy, was physically abused by her boyfriend.  The abuse escalated while she was pregnant with her son and she feared the abuse would cause her to miscarry.  With no other support system in the area (they lived in Arizona), she came to Chicago at seven months pregnant to live with her cousin and her cousin’s boyfriend.  After Fatima* gave birth to her son, her cousin and the cousin’s boyfriend became physically and financially abusive.

Fatima* called the emergency hotline and fled to the WINGS Metro Safe House where she immediately began using a vast array of resources, all conveniently available onsite.  Fatima* received individual counseling and her daughter was paired with a WINGS Children’s Advocate. Recognizing that Fatima’s daughter was having difficulties with speech, her Children’s Advocate assisted Fatima* in enrolling her in preschool and an early intervention program for speech therapy.

Fatima* says, “I don’t know where we would be without WINGS and their supporters, but I don’t like to think about it. It is such a relief to finally feel safe and have hope for my children’s future.”

Making the courageous decision to leave an abusive relationship is the first step in a difficult journey. Our goal, as the largest domestic violence agency in Illinois, is to provide all of the tools and supports needed to ensure that families have what they need to move towards safety, independence and self-sufficiency. We are there every step of the way.

We transform lives with your help and support every step of the way. Your donations provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy helping adults and children build a better life for themselves. Give now to break the cycle of domestic violence.

*WINGS uses representative names and photos to protect the dignity and security of those we serve