WINGS Annual Celebration of Courage: Hope through Life’s Storms

Hope Through Life’s Storms

On a stormy night, WINGS’ annual Celebration of Courage brought together a powerful community of WINGS graduates, WINGS current clients, WINGS staff and more.

Musician Jonelle Tate performed.

At the virtual event, 11 adult survivor graduates and their 12 children of WINGS Housing Programs were honored for their remarkable journeys toward safety and independence. Graduates shared moving reflections on WINGS impact on their lives, while current clients and their children were recognized for the meaningful progress they are making toward their goals. Together, the evening served as a powerful reminder: even in life’s fiercest storms, hope has the power to transform lives.

To kick off the celebration, musician Jonelle Tate performed the song “Hero,” by Mariah Carey.

After the moving performance, WINGS staff recognized each adult and child graduate one by one for their achievements. Children’s Advocates shared each child’s individual successes ranging from learning colors and animals to beginning to read to graduating high school early and much more.

Message from WINGS Counselor

Nahara, WINGS Bilingual Adult Domestic Violence Counselor, shared a statement of encouragement in both English and Spanish. Below is an excerpt:

“To our graduates and every current participant walking this path: we know how much effort you put in and we are so proud to celebrate you today…

…As us counselors say, ‘healing is rarely a straight line,’ yet we have watched you meet every obstacle with great resilience. In our time together, you have just survived, you have reclaimed your power…

…Thank you for trusting us, for letting us into your lives and allowing us to walk alongside you on this sacred journey of healing and self-discovery. Getting to know your strengths has been our great privilege.”

Given their WINGS

WINGS President & CEO, Rebecca Darr, congratulated graduates and referenced the symbolic gift of wings each graduate received ahead of the celebration.

Rebecca Darr, WINGS President & CEO

“None of this happens without hard work from everybody’s part: survivors, children, the staff. You all work so well together, and that is what makes it possible…

…I hope you know that once you are part of the WINGS family, you’re always a part of the WINGS family. We mean that sincerely from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you to all of you for being here and supporting each other.”

Closing Remarks

La Tonya, WINGS Chief Program Officer, shared her closing remarks:

“…As you enter this next phase of your life’s journey, remember you are strong. You have stamina. Each time doubt rears its ugly head, say to yourself, ‘I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.”

La Tonya then shared a recipe for strength and courage. Below is an excerpt:

“Some of the ingredients you are going to need are:

• 3 cups of persistence,
• 2 tablespoons of hope – small but potent like yeast that makes an entire loaf rise,
• one handful of patience,
• 5 generous scoops of self-belief,
• A pinch of humility,
• one tablespoon of curiosity to illuminate dark corners of uncertainty…

…Mix in some hope and watch how a small amount transforms everything. Fold in support from those who encouraged you, challenged you, and believed in you. No meaningful journey is traveled entirely alone…

La Tonya Walker, WINGS Chief Program Officer

…Add in a little season of humor, it acts like oil in machinery and helps the gears keep turning when life gets complicated…Stir in curiosity and openness to new opportunities…

…Finish with gratitude for where you have been, what you have accomplished and the people who have helped make it possible…

… If you feel tired, remember even the moon disappears for part of the month and still returns full…

…When progress seems impossible, glaciers move only inches at a time, yet they reshape continents…

…Serve warm on days when the road looks steep…Share freely with others. Unlike ordinary recipes, this one grows larger every time it is given away…

…The next phase of life won’t come with a map, but you’ve already proven you can handle the journey.”

Impromptu Gratitude

As the event came to a close, several clients unmuted their microphones. One by one, they authentically spoke of the encouragement they received from WINGS, the growth they felt within themselves, and their deep gratitude for a program that had walked beside them at every step.

Outside, the region was preparing for severe storms. Inside the virtual space, many were navigating storms of their own.

Yet in that unscripted moment there was a sense of calm, connection, and strength that rose above it all. It was a powerful reminder that even in life’s fiercest storms, hope and healing can persevere.

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