Success Stories

WINGS gives kids the skills to succeed in school and beyond

An inspiring example of what happens when kids get WINGS

The Origin of WINGS

CEO and Founder Ginny Deerin’s Quest

At 40, Ginny Deerin was recognized as a successful woman – lots of friends, a son at Harvard and a smart, beautiful baby girl, five brothers and sisters she adored. She’d risen to the top of her profession, but she lacked a set of skills that she wanted all kids to have…  Click here to read the whole story.

Former WINGSLeader Finds Her Wings

by Bridget Laird, CEO

There's no denying that our WINGS staff equally benefits from the SEL lessons we teach our kids. Keisha is living proof! Click here to read her story.

The WINGS Creed...SEL Put to Words

by Heather Williams, Program Director

We often say the WINGS Creed is our Social and Emotional lessons put into kid-friendly language. But it's more than that; and it's more than just a helpful teaching tool for us to use with our kids. Read what makes the WINGS Creed so special.

Watching Change Happen

by Shameka Waiters, Program Director 

In their first year of WINGS, James Simons Elementary kids are already exhibiting skills of socially and emotionally well-adjusted youngsters. Read more here.

Practicing What we Preach

by Stephanie Smith, Program Director

WINGS isn't simply about reaching the kids we work with; we're also focused on impacting our full and part-time staff with the social and emotional lessons we teach as well. Read about our SEL-savvy staff here.

A Warm WINGS Welcome

by Nicole Lovecchio, Chief Program Officer

It takes a lot to surprise us at WINGS. However, thinking back to the story of Jacob's reception at WINGS still brings us chills. Read Nicole's account here.

A Special Bond

by Cristy McCrery, Program Operations Assistant

Sometimes kids leave just as much of a footprint on you as you hope to leave on them. Here's a story about one of our WINGS kids who has done just that!

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

by Cheryl Hollis, Program Director

How three of our WINGS girls learned that soaring together is way more fun than flying solo! Read their story here.