Story provided by United Way

This article is the second in a series highlighting the 22 nonprofit partner agencies supported by the United Way of Payne County. The United Way is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in Payne County by investing donated dollars in nonprofits that focus on promoting education, improving health and reducing poverty.

This article spotlights Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services.

According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, four in ten Oklahoma women have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. On average, an Oklahoman dies every five days as a result of domestic violence, says the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.

Wings of Hopes aims to empower the victims of these crimes and to hold perpetrators accountable. They offer an emergency women’s shelter, counseling, children’s programs, advocacy services and more for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

“Our mission at Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services is to break the cycle of violence by providing safety, hope and empowerment,” Brandi White, Wings of Hope Executive Director said. “We are committed to stopping interpersonal violence and dedicated to helping families end the cycle of violence that is frequently passed on from one generation to another.”

Wings of Hope operates a highly secure, licensed women’s shelter, which has nine family rooms, each capable of housing five to six family members. The shelter is staffed 24/7 and offers several amenities to help victims feel at home while they navigate their crisis.

“We offer shelter and safety for those who have no other place to go,” White said. “We’ve been mostly full in 2022. In 2021, we housed 300 residents, half of which were children, for a total of nearly 5,000 nights in our shelter.”

White says that awareness of and access to domestic violence services is critical, especially in rural areas where service providers are few and far between. Domestic violence is very real and very present in our communities, she said, but there is hope and help available for those who are suffering. 

“We know that seeking safety from an abuser is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone,” White said. “If you are ever in crisis and need to seek shelter, Wings of Hope is here to help.”

Individuals in need of shelter or services can contact Wings of Hope at 405-372-9922 or learn more at www.wingsofhopeok.com. They operate a 24/7 crisis help-line providing resources, safety planning and in-house shelter if needed. The crisis line is 405-624-3020 or 1-800-624-3020. 

Wings of Hope houses their main shelter in Stillwater, but also has satellite offices in Cushing and Perry, where they offer counseling and emergency protective order assistance. They have a batterer’s intervention program, designed for abusers to confront their issues and break the cycle of violence.

When you donate to United Way of Payne County, you support the amazing work of Wings of Hope and 21 other nonprofits, which collectively impact more than 73,000 individuals and families each year. The United Way has served the community for more than 70 years. To learn more or donate visit www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org or call 405-377-2161.