WINGS Awarded 3 National Purple Ribbon Awards and Grant Funding

Posted by Sarah Swiston
On September 26, 2022
Annual Report, chicago metropolitan area, Chicago suburbs, Domestic Shelters, Domestic Shelters.Org, Domestic Violence, domestic violence agency, domestic violence organization, DV agency, dv survivors, End Domestic Violence, inspiration, mentor, National Award, northwest chicago, Philanthropy, Purple Ribbon Awards, Shelters, Survivor Lifeline, Theresa's Fund, WINGS, WINGS Program

This month, WINGS was awarded three National Purple Ribbon Awards from DomesticShelters.Org:

Outstanding New Service Launch – Survivor Lifeline
Annual Report of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award – Rita Canning, WINGS Board Chair Emeritus

Watch Party Celebration

On September 21^st, during a virtual celebration, WINGS was announced as one of seven organizations selected among 125 other Purple Ribbon winners to receive an accompanying grant for the agency’s new Survivor Lifeline program.

To be considered, agencies complete applications for specific categories. The judging panel consists of reviewers who work in or with domestic violence agencies.

WINGS Board of Directors, Leadership Council members and Staff were invited to a watch party at Harper College. Cheers erupted when WINGS was announced as the winner of the grant funds for the agency’s launch of Survivor Lifeline.

“There are so many deserving organizations doing incredible work for survivors of domestic violence. It is a tremendous honor to be listed among them. In addition to the incredible distinction of winning national recognition through these awards, we are elated and amazed to be one of the few organizations to receive a grant,” Rebecca Darr, WINGS President & CEO.

“The last few years have been challenging for domestic violence survivors and agencies serving them. These awards allow us to take a minute to acknowledge and celebrate what we have been able to accomplish during such trying times. Honestly, this special recognition has boosted the morale of some of our front-line staff,” La Tonya Walker, WINGS Chief Program Officer shares.

Outstanding New Service Launch – Survivor Lifeline

WINGS launched the innovative Survivor Lifeline program which matches compassionate Survivor Mentors with domestic violence survivors who are exiting shelters and moving into housing.

These volunteer mentors, who have shared experiences and cultures, function as a bridge to community resources and aid in career aspirations.

This support network results in clients overcoming systemic barriers by obtaining financial and emotional independence. This program is designed to be replicable and scalable.

Learn more about Survivor Lifeline here

Annual Report of the Year

Committed to transparency and stellar stewardship, WINGS has created both a print and digital Annual Report. Meeting stakeholders where they are at, WINGS mails a beautifully designed print Annual Report to donors and emails all constituents a link to the engaging digital version.

WINGS new digital Annual Report has increased traffic to the website, is highly interactive and easy to navigate. Both have been well-received and include impact statements, new initiatives, financials and more.

View WINGS Digital Annual Report

View WINGS Print Annual Report

Lifetime Achievement Award – Rita Canning

When Rita joined WINGS Board of Directors over 30 years ago, the agency was at a grass-roots level. Throughout Rita’s leadership tenure at WINGS, she poured her passion into building the agency, inspiring, and engaging new supporters.

She led WINGS to tremendous growth. She helped WINGS open two Safe Houses and begin Community-Based programs. Assets grew from $600,000 to over $23 million, allowing WINGS to reach thousands of survivors.

Rita is the “wind beneath our wings,” creating a vast legacy. Thank you, Rita!!