2007: The Numbers
Individuals Attending a Support Group 270
Number of Support Groups Offered
18
Men's Support Groups Meeting
5
Women's Support Groups Meeting
13
Number of first-time callers
1,053
Volunteer Hours Contributed
3,056
Total Contacts Received
9,611
Presentations Given
53
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Upcoming Workshop:
The Organizational Impact of Vicarious Trauma
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When we
hear about vicarious trauma, we think about the first responders, therapists,
caseworkers and advocates who are affected each and every day by their jobs, the
stories they hear and the victims they work with. What we don't always hear about is the agency
or company that these employees work for.
Did their organization inadvertently play a role in the vicarious trauma
experienced by their employees?
Unacknowledged vicarious trauma in
employees and organizations can result in burnout, time missed from work due to
illness, judgment errors, excessive turnover and organizational stagnation. This dynamic workshop given by
Marguerite McCormack describes the legacy created when organizations that work
with victims, the mentally ill and trauma survivors experience the insidious
impact of vicarious trauma and do not acknowledge or proactively address it.
Participants will gain
an overview of vicarious trauma, learn how it impacts those in different
positions within organizations, methods of addressing vicarious trauma in staff,
how individuals can protect themselves within organizations and issues of
vicarious trauma in clinical supervision
settings.
Details
When: Friday, September 12, 2008 8:30am-Noon Where: Jefferson County DA's Office 1st Floor Conference Room 500 Jefferson County Parkway Golden, CO 80401 Cost: $50 (includes continental breakfast and training materials) To register for this workshop please contact WINGS at 303-238-8660 or email wings@wingsfound.org
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Did you know that WINGS can accept tax-deductible online donations? Did you know you can use your Visa, Amex or Mastercard to donate?
Click on the Contributions section of our website at www.wingsfound.org or call us at 303-238-8660 or 800-373-8671 to donate today!
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Greetings!
For over 25 years
WINGS has been breaking the cycle and healing the wounds of childhood
sexual abuse by providing support services, advocacy and education to adult survivors of this trauma.
It's also taken us over 25 years to produce our very first electronic newsletter, so thanks for taking this inaugural step with us!
Whether you're a group member, a volunteer or a financial contributor, you're a friend of WINGS. Take some time to find out what's new and let us know what you'd like to see in future newsletters Thank you for your support and for helping WINGS fly!
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25 Years of Hope and Healing
WINGS Foundation celebrated 25 years of offering hope and healing to survivors of childhood sexual abuse on November 9, 2007 with a celebration, silent auction and survivor art show attended by over 150 people. Hosted at Denver's Space Gallery in the historic Santa Fe gallery row, the event drew WINGS group members and their supporters, concerned community members, music memorabilia afficianados and art lovers galore.
WINGS group members from past and present submitted various art media depicting their struggle and triumph over childhood sexual abuse and their stages of healing. "I never knew there could be so much beauty entwined in this much trauma," said one of the art show viewers.
Music lovers were treated to an extensive and eclectic collection of autographed music memorabilia that was up for bid at the silent auction. Billy Joel, Elton John, Rick Springfield, Feist and Fall Out Boys were just some of the musical artists represented with items such as autographed guitars, drum heads, posters, pictures and concert tickets. WINGS extends a huge thank you to Mark Niederhauser who was instrumental in obtaining these items.
Most importantly, the night was a celebration of the support that exists for abuse survivors and the hope and healing that are present in the activities that WINGS provides through its programming. A huge thank you to all who have been and continue to be part of WINGS!
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We'd like to thank the following foundations for their 2008 support:
9News/Gannett Foundation
El Pomar Youth in Community Service
Pioneer Fund
New Belgium Foundation
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Diversified Outreach:
Our 2008 Goal
If 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are sexually abused before age 18, it's clear we're not reaching everyone potentially affected by childhood sexual abuse in Colorado. Incest and childhood sexual abuse cross all cultural, racial, socioeconomic and religious bounds, yet when we take a look at our average first-time caller, a Caucasian woman in her 40's who lives in the Denver metro area and earns $40,000 annually, we know without a doubt that there are segments of the survivor population who we aren't reaching.
How we reach all the survivors and their supporters that could benefit from WINGS' services is a decades-long question that the agency has wrestled with before. In the strategic plan developed by the board of directors and staff for the agency, this concern is addressed. 2008 is the target year for extensive outreach efforts across the major areas we serve. Look for us at the Center for African American Health Fair, 9News Health Fair, Jefferson County Resource Fair, the Adams County Resource Roundup and the People's Fair. If you know an event where WINGS should have a presence or would like to volunteer, call our office at 303-238-8660 or email us.
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WINGS Expands in Colorado Springs
WINGS first began serving survivors and their supporters in the Colorado Springs metro area in 2003 with the inception of a single women's support group. Since that time the number of individuals in that area who've gone through a WINGS support group has doubled and in 2007 we received over 200 first-time contacts from that area.
With two women's groups and one men's group now meeting each week, WINGS was able to seek funding from the 4th Judicial District's VALE fund, which is money allocated to victims of crime that is collected when offenders are assessed fines and fees for crimes committed.
This fall, WINGS will be piloting a group in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs for survivors who are looking for a support group with more spiritual focus. If you'd like more information or know of an organization in the Colorado Springs area that should know about WINGS, please contact us at 800-373-8671 or 303-238-8660.
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Supporting the Supporters
A survivor's spouse, partner, parent or friend can be a lifeline during the healing journey or an unwitting adversary depending on their knowledge of the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse and the effects that this trauma has on the survivor. In an effort to help those who are supporting a survivor, WINGS will begin a pilot program group for loved ones in mid to late 2008. The group will be part education and part support.
The topics to be focused on include:
· The stages of healing for survivors;
· Common reactions and feelings;
· Communication;
· Intimacy struggles within relationships; and
· How to care for yourself while helping the survivor in your life.
The group is scheduled to meet for 12 weeks and will then assess whether or not to continue. If you are interested in participating in this group or would like more information about the group's structure and topics, call the WINGS office today at 303-238-8660 or 800-373-8671.
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Annual Bronco Season Tickets Raffle
It's not too late to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance at a pair of Denver Broncos season tickets. This year's raffle drawing will be held Wednesday, August 13 at 6pm. Raffle tickets are $20 and include a chance at a second and third prize of a digital camera and an iPOD nano. Contact WINGS at 303-238-8660 to purchase a ticket.
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Thanks for taking time to read about our news and updates. We value your support and welcome your calls and emails.
In closing, we'll leave you with a anonymous thought that is shared frequently in our support groups for childhood sexual abuse survivors...
Perhaps strength doesn't reside in having never been broken, but in the courage required to grow strong in the broken places. - Author unknown
Wishing you Hope & Healing,
WINGS Foundation, Inc. |
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