WINGS Community Outreach Program: New Services in the North Shore & Barrington

Domestic violence exists in every community, including affluent ones. Survivors may face different barriers to services and WINGS has a new solution to best serve these survivors who are often suffering in silence. Learn more about WINGS Community Outreach Program, how it will help survivors in the North Shore and Barrington, and how you can help launch this program to save more lives.

“Domestic violence is often viewed as a problem that happens somewhere else. The reality is that it exists behind the doors of some of the most beautiful homes on the North Shore or Barrington,” Tracey Mayer, Domestic Violence survivor and WINGS Consultant shares.

Domestic Violence in Affluent Communities

“I was tiptoeing through each day, praying for strength, and pretending everything was fine because I had no choice but to hide what was happening inside our home.” Tracey discloses. “I had moved to a new city where I knew no one except his friends. This left me without a single safe, non-judgmental place to turn. I was a prisoner in my own home.”

Survivors of domestic violence in affluent communities frequently experience:

• Reputational concerns – related to stigma, privacy concerns, & fear of judgement
• Isolation
• Financial Abuse – Often hidden behind societal status and beautiful homes, financial abuse is one of the most common forms of domestic violence. Survivors frequently lack access to financial resources or may have been prevented from working.
• Legal Abuse – Individuals who causes harm often leverage their financial resources to repeatedly take their partner to court, adding emotional and financial burdens for survivors.

Tracey explains, “Domestic violence doesn’t always look like what most people imagine. It lives behind grand entryways, luxury interiors, charitable reputations, and perfectly staged holiday cards — and it thrives where silence is expected…

…In upscale households, women often feel intense pressure to maintain the appearance of perfection. They do not want their children, parents, friends, or those who know and admire them to know what is happening at home. Many are surrounded by attorneys, physicians, financial advisors, or community leaders who also move within their social orbit. When everyone knows everyone, seeking help can feel too risky.”

Survivors may know legal or healthcare professionals, however, they may be connected to their social network. There is a real fear of being seen as a survivor of domestic violence. Since these survivors may not need to stay in a shelter, they may not realize the statewide domestic violence hotline is a first step to accessing other resources as well.

“Domestic violence in affluent communities isn’t rare, it’s unspoken. And when something remains unspoken long enough, people begin to believe it doesn’t exist,” Tracey shares.

WINGS Community Outreach Program

Tracey Mayer

“I remember the day I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me. My stomach churned, my hands shook, and the circles under my eyes could no longer be covered with makeup. That was the defining moment I chose to rescue myself from my abuser,” Tracey discloses and continues:

“It’s a moment far too many people living in upscale communities experience, but rarely dare to speak aloud.”

WINGS Community Outreach Program will encompass two pilot initiatives: The North Shore Outreach Initiative and the Barrington Outreach Initiative. These initiatives will offer support groups held privately within a community space. This model allows participants to learn about domestic violence, connect with other survivors, and access support in a discreet way.

Key Program Components:

• Private, community-based access
• Safe and judgement free environments
  • Peer connection without forced disclosure
• Education about domestic violence
• Direct bridge to WINGS services including
  • Counseling
  • Safety planning and crisis response
  • Legal navigation: divorce, custody
  • Survivor Lifeline mentors
  • Financial planning: estate appraisal, workforce re-entry services

“Even with proven programming, one truth has emerged: access pathways differ for those living in upscale communities. Not because they don’t need help, but because fear of exposure creates barriers that existing resources cannot always reach.” Tracey shares.

WINGS Community Outreach Program expands access to domestic violence services for survivors who would otherwise remain invisible. This program meets survivors where they are at and emphasizes privacy, safety, and empowerment.

Connect with Us

Domestic violence is not a challenge that survivors, service providers, or any one organization can solve alone. It is only through collective awareness, collective voices, and collective action that we can continue to create pathways to safety, support, and lasting change. There are several ways you can make a difference.

Ways to Help

• Donate Funds

Every dollar raised for WINGS Community Outreach Program brings the North Shore Outreach Initiative and the Barrington Outreach Initiative closer to launch. Your support today would provide survivors with access to education, counseling, legal guidance and other critical support services.

Currently, we are close to our goal, but need your help to get this program started.

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

• 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.

WINGS is recruiting Survivor Lifeline Mentors. If you have lived experience with domestic violence, learn more here: Survivor Lifeline Mentor Information

Contact Tracey to learn other ways you can help this program launch.

• 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, holiday gifts and more. Learn more.

• Donate and Shop WINGS Resale

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

When you shop WINGS Resale you will find amazing clothing, accessories, furniture, jewelry, housewares and more. Every day select items are 50% off.

WINGS Resale has three locations: Arlington Heights, Niles, and Schaumburg. Learn more.

Ways to Receive Help

You are not alone. While the North Shore Outreach Initiative program hasn’t yet launched, survivors interested in the program may contact northshore@wingsprogram.com

For emergency shelter and crisis assistance, call: 847-221-5680

For housing, counseling, mentoring and more, call: 847-519-7828

Learn More About Tracey’s Experience Here