WINGS Foundation, Inc.
The Word on WINGS
June 2010
Greetings!

Summer...time to rest, rejuvenate, and relax, right?  It'd be nice to be floating down a lazy river and sipping some lemonade, but we've got big things happening at WINGS right now.  No lazy summer for us!  New support groups are starting and an exciting line-up of events are planned for the fall.
 
So while you're lounging in your backyard hammock or beach chair, take some time to mark our happenings on your calendar so you can be sure to be there.  It wouldn't be the same without you!

Happy summer,

Anne Guarnera, LPC
Executive Director
WINGS Foundation
 
From Survivor to Thriver
Book signing and discussion

Suzie Burke
Suzie Burke, R.N., Ph.D. is the pen name of a real woman who is a registered nurse and licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in psychology.
She sought professional counseling for herself when she experienced an episode of major depression. Initially, she assumed the mental and physical signs of her depression were caused by the family's move across the country with her business executive husband. She discovered, however, her depression was deeper and darker than most.

In order to survive the trauma of horrific ritual abuse she suffered as a child, her mind had long ago repressed those memories. The 10-year path to health, happiness, and wholeness was a result of a savvy counselor, her own determination not to let her perpetrators "win," plus a family that never wavered.  It has been nearly a decade since she ended her inward journey of self discovery and Suzie Burke is now thriving.

Join WINGS and Suzie Burke as she discusses and signs her new book Wholeness: My Healing Journey from Ritual Abuse on Friday, September 17th at 6:30pm at the WINGS office.  The book can be ordered from authorhouse.com with proceeds going to The Wholeness Foundation, or from amazon.com.

We encourage you to read the book before this event.  If you are not able to obtain your own copy, contact WINGS to borrow a copy from our library. 
 
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!
Meet our new Program & Outreach Assistant

Marcia Cunningham
Marcia Cunningham joined the WINGS staff in March and has been a welcome addition, helping us modify our statistical processes and refining our various databases.  Marcia has master's degrees in both Counseling Psychology and Research in Social Psychology and is working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Marcia has 15 years experience in research at institutions such as University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and will be teaching at Denver Seminary in the fall.  Marcia will be doing many of the new client intakes at WINGS and co-facilitating our Loved Ones Group as well.  Welcome Marcia!
 
The Psychobiology of Trauma
Upcoming Training with Trauma Expert Janine D'Anniballe, Ph.D.

Join us for a day of learning, discussion, and the latest findings on the neurobiological effects of trauma.  If you're interested in how trauma affects the brain and the way we think and act, this workshop is for you! 

When: Friday, October 22, 2010 9am-4pm

Registration information to follow soon. 
 
Supporting the Supporters
Loved Ones Group Begins in July

A survivor's spouse, partner, sibling, 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.  If you're supporting a survivor in your life, join us for group that is part education and part support designed just for you.

Topics focused on in the group include:
· The stages of healing for survivors;
· Common behaviors and feelings;
· Communication;
· Intimacy struggles within relationships; and
· How to care for yourself while helping the   survivor in your life. 

The group will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm for 8 weeks beginning July 20th.  If you are interested in participating in this group or would like more information call the WINGS office today at 303-238-8660 or 800-373-8671.
 
Don't Forget to Save the Date!
Marilyn Van Derbur is Coming to WINGS

Marilyn Van Derbur
Join us for an exciting evening with Marilyn Van Derbur, former Miss America from Colorado and acclaimed author of Miss America by Day.  After surviving 13 years of sexual abuse at the hands of her father, Marilyn Van Derbur has inspired millions of survivors and their supporters with her healing presence, motivational words, and personal journey.  This event will be an uplifting fundraiser for WINGS and an inspirational program for everyone present!
 
Friday, October 1, 2010 (Please note date change)
5:30pm-8:30pm

Registration information to follow soon.
 
Thank you to our recent funders! 

Without support from the organizations listed below WINGS could not continue its valuable program.  We thank you for your vital contributions and for choosing to make a difference for sexual abuse survivors.

Gannett Foundation

Anschutz Family Foundation

BNSF Foundation

The Pioneer Fund
Since 1982, WINGS Foundation has worked to break the cycle and heal the wounds of childhood sexual abuse by providing support services, advocacy, and education to adults throughout Colorado.

WINGS Foundation, Inc.
8725 W. 14th Avenue, Suite 150
Lakewood, CO 80215
303-238-8660 or 800-373-8671
wings@wingsfound.org
www.wingsfound.org