WINGS Volunteers Share Why They Donate Their Time

April is National Volunteer Month

Volunteers are crucial to supporting our WINGS Resale Stores, Logistics Center, and Safe Houses, and more. Last year WINGS 2,466 volunteers donated 67,186 hours of service. This is the equivalent of 32 full-time employees. In honor of National Volunteer Month, WINGS volunteers share why they continue to donate their time and support our mission to end domestic violence.

Read more and consider joining them.

 

Survivor Lifeline Mentors

Survivor Lifeline pairs compassionate volunteer mentors with survivors moving out of domestic violence shelters.

We are in need of more Survivor Lifeline mentors, especially mentors who speak Spanish. If you are more than one year removed from your personal domestic violence experience, have good communication skills, and are compassionate, this volunteer position could be for you.

 

“I continue to volunteer for WINGS because it’s really meaningful to see the positive impact I can have on my mentee’s life. I love being part of her journey and watching her grow, gain confidence, and truly step into her power. In many ways, she empowers me too. Being there for each other is a reminder of how powerful it is when women support one another.”

Yulizet M., Survivor Lifeline Volunteer

 

 

“I have found my passion in helping others rebuild their lives by providing the support necessary to move toward a safer future, fostering their independence, and empowering them to create a life they truly love and deserve.”

Kristine U., Survivor Lifeline Volunteer

 

 

 

“I became a WINGS Safe House volunteer in February of 2017.  In June of 2025, I became a WINGS mentor. After helping my mentee navigate through some very difficult times, she recently said to me:

‘On my ride home from dinner with friends and loved ones, I realized how during my relationship with my abuser, there was a cap on me and now the new me is revitalized and rejuvenated!  I am now unapologetically ME!  I’m so thankful!  I appreciate your support!’

And so, THIS is why I continue to be a WINGS volunteer.  😊”

Sandi C., Volunteer Mentor

 

 

 

 

WINGS Safe House Volunteers

Volunteers at WINGS Safe Houses play an integral role in creating a safe and welcoming environment for survivors. WINGS is recruiting the following positions:

Safe House Cook, WINGS Metro Safe House

Lobby Volunteer, Both Safe Houses

Safe House Hosts, Both Safe Houses

Kids Group Assistants, WINGS Metro Safe House

 

“I volunteer because WINGS does important work, and I’m grateful to support the dedicated staff.”

Nira S., Suburban Safe House Volunteer

 

 

 

 

 

“The reason I still volunteer is because the team is flexible with my schedule, the children are a pleasure to work with, the staff is supportive and grateful, and the work is rewarding. I don’t always get to see the direct impact, but I find it to be a valuable use of my time. Seeing the kids smile warms my heart. Everyone wins when you volunteer at WINGS 🪽”

Sydney R., WINGS Metro Safe House Volunteer

 

 

“I volunteer because the kids are so curious and creative. I love helping them learn!”

Judy T., WINGS Suburban Safe House Volunteer

 

 

 

 

 

“I volunteer for the WINGS program because it is a welcoming environment with a warm, supportive staff, and the work is truly rewarding. It feels meaningful to contribute to the community and help create a place where people feel supported and valued.”

Lisa D., WINGS Suburban Safe House Volunteer

 

 

 

“I volunteer at WINGS because I believe every person deserves to live in safety, dignity, and hope. The individuals and families who seek help through WINGS have often endured incredibly difficult circumstances. It takes tremendous strength and courage to break away from domestic violence and begin the process of rebuilding a life.

By volunteering, I hope to offer support, compassion, and encouragement to survivors as they work to regain stability and confidence for themselves and their families. WINGS provides critical resources, guidance, and a safe environment that helps people move forward with their lives. Being part of that mission is deeply meaningful to me, and I am honored to contribute in any way I can to help survivors on their path toward independence and healing.

The support team at the safe house is incredibly and wonderful to work with.”

Debbie L., Suburban Safe House Volunteer

 

 

Foglia Family Resource Center (FFRC) Volunteers

“I volunteer for WINGS because I believe in the organization’s Mission and Vision. Retirement has allowed me time to contribute in a small way that feels meaningful to me. The kindness and friendship offered by staff and fellow volunteers is lovely.”

Julia M., WINGS FFRC Lobby Volunteer

 

 

 

 

“I continue to volunteer for WINGS because I believe every woman deserves support, safety, and hope.

Volunteering gives me the chance to empower women and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Being able to listen, encourage, and uplift others is incredibly rewarding, and even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

I am passionate about helping those who truly need support, especially children, and I firmly believe everyone deserves the right to live, laugh, love, and feel safe.”

Ashwini S., WINGS FFRC Lobby Volunteer

 

 

WINGS Resale

WINGS is continually recruiting volunteers to assist at WINGS three Resale Stores in the Northwest Suburbs. Volunteers are especially needed at WINGS Resale Niles.

Resale volunteers sort community donations, assist as a cashier, and/or a merchandiser.

 

“I have a strong belief in the mission and values of WINGS. This drives my will to be committed to such a good cause.”

Jennifer B., WINGS Resale Arlington Heights

 

 

 

 

“I started volunteering at WINGS last year because I wanted to make a difference in my community. I see a lot of problems in the world and it is easy to feel despair. Volunteering helps me feel like doing something useful for others, even if it’s in just a small way.

 

I love the mission of WINGS to empower women and to help them out of terrible situations. I believe strongly that women need more of a voice and more opportunities to thrive. When women have a seat at the decision-making table, society improves.

 

In addition, I love the mission of a resale shop. We live in a disposable society and I love seeing second-hand products have a new life rather than being thrown away. I have also donated proceeds from my photo studio to WINGS during October, which is Domestic Violence awareness month.”

Liz H., WINGS Resale Niles

 

 

 

 

“I❤️being part of the WINGS family-everyone is so nice!
I ❤️ helping to keep the store looking good for customers! I recognize my job makes a difference!”

Paul B. WINGS Resale Niles

 

 

 

“❤️love the mission and thrilled to be part of a team that makes a positive difference to those in need!!”

Carol C., WINGS Resale Niles

 

 

 

 

“The reason why I continue to volunteer at WINGS is the same reason why I began 14 years ago: its mission to help victims of domestic violence.

As a cashier, I have the opportunity to bring joy and smiles to all our customers. I’m able to interact with them and, for example, ask what they plan to do with that five-foot banana.”

Judy B., WINGS Resale Niles

 

“Volunteering at WINGS Arlington Heights Resale Store is an honor. Weekly, I benefit from 1) the vibrant camaraderie of fellow volunteers, 2) the professional integrity and leadership of management, and 3) the nurtured loyalty of our shoppers. It’s always a highlight of my week.”

Carole O., WINGS Resale Arlington Heights

 

“I personally feel very fortunate in my life and giving back through WINGS great initiatives and goals makes me feel good (and tired). I also think it was destiny because my mother in Heaven’s favorite color was purple.”

Larry S., WINGS Resale Niles

 

“I have been volunteering since June 2025 and I hope to continue volunteering for a long time. I have always liked knowing that I make a difference in other people’s lives. I love helping others.

My main duty at WINGS is to price higher-end items. When I price something, I like to think about what WINGS can do with the money it receives for the item I am pricing. I feel happy knowing that someone’s life will be a little bit better because we have sold an item.”

Patty P., WINGS Resale Niles

“WINGS brings hope to our communities!”

Jessica L., WINGS Resale Arlington Heights

 

“One of main reasons I volunteer is that a very close friend of ours and former colleague was getting a divorce from her spouse, but it ended with the loss of her life a number of years ago. It surprised all of us.”

Bob R., WINGS Resale Schaumburg

 

“To pay forward in life the help that was so freely given to me by others.” Ryan F. – WINGS Resale, Arlington Heights

 

Logistics Center

If you have a small group looking to volunteer together, volunteering at the Logistics Center might be the opportunity for you. Volunteers at the Logistics Center sort donations from the community, inspect items for damage, and categorize them for further processing.

 

 

“I continue to volunteer at WINGS because I know what I do is helping domestic violence victims. All the behind the scenes work does make a difference and helps provide for their wellbeing.”

Betty E., WINGS Logistics Center Volunteer

 

 

& More!

WINGS is currently recruiting volunteers for Barrington Mother’s Day 5K.

 

“After 5 years, I continue to volunteer because I know my work matters — it helps people who are hurting, it strengthens my community, and it feels good to be part of the important work of WINGS.”

Susan H., WINGS Volunteer

 

 

 

 

“I continue to volunteer for WINGS Program Inc. because I truly believe in its mission to help stop the cycle of domestic violence and support families in crisis. I especially enjoy working at resource fairs—setting up vendor tables, organizing materials, and sharing important information with attendees. These events give me the opportunity to connect with students, community members, elected officials, fellow vendors, and medical personnel, and to have meaningful conversations about domestic violence and the comprehensive assistance WINGS can provide.

 

Because I am an attorney, I am also able to serve as a legal resource for those who need Orders of Protection or who are worried about going to court and facing the fear of the unknown. I can provide the necessary documents and help individuals prepare ahead of their court date so they feel more informed and empowered. Domestic violence is such an important yet difficult topic to discuss, and by volunteering, I hope to make those conversations a little easier while ensuring that solid, accurate information reaches the people who may need it most.🫶💜👍”

Susan M., WINGS Volunteer

 

Thank You!

We are grateful for our volunteers who empower our mission. You are truly the wind beneath our wings!

If you are interested in any of our available volunteer opportunities, learn more here.