WINGS: Empowering Immigrants and Refugees with Holistic Services and Advocacy

WINGS: Empowering Immigrants and Refugees with Holistic Services and Advocacy  

WINGS (Walking IN Grace with Survivors of Torture) is dedicated to providing essential support and services to migrants and newcomers in New Mexico. In 2023, the WINGS team worked closely with donors, volunteers, and local communities to ensure that new arrivals receive the resources and guidance they need to integrate into their new environment.

Apple Donations and Bread Distribution - September A huge haul of apples donated to WINGS by Food Is Free ABQ resulted in apples for all of our clients, plus plenty of leftovers that were baked into apple bread loaves and distributed to our community partners and the migrant emergency shelter

Apple Donations and Bread Distribution - September A huge haul of apples donated to WINGS by Food Is Free ABQ resulted in apples for all of our clients, plus plenty of leftovers that were baked into apple bread loaves and distributed to our community partners and the migrant emergency shelter

Apple Donations and Bread Distribution - September A huge haul of apples donated to WINGS by Food Is Free ABQ resulted in apples for all of our clients, plus plenty of leftovers that were baked into apple bread loaves and distributed to our community partners and the migrant emergency shelter

Apple Donations and Bread Distribution - September A huge haul of apples donated to WINGS by Food Is Free ABQ resulted in apples for all of our clients, plus plenty of leftovers that were baked into apple bread loaves and distributed to our community partners and the migrant emergency shelter

In the fall of 2023, WINGS received a generous donation of fresh apples from Food Is Free ABQ. This donation allowed WINGS to distribute fruit to clients and bake apple bread, which was shared with community partners and a migrant emergency shelter. This donation is just one example of how WINGS leverages community resources to support those they serve. The program also benefits from consistent support from the UNM Southeast Heights Clinic and various individual donors who contribute items like infant formula and crafting supplies, underscoring the community's commitment to supporting newcomers. 

Presbyterian Vaccine Class - September WINGS hosted a vaccine class (at St. Timothy's Church) with the facilitation of Presbyterian Community Health. The class covered vaccine basics and access, including Covid and flu vaccine information and children's vaccines.

WINGS Christmas - December A community-wide toy drive provided toys (and extras) for all WINGS families and children, the event was hosted by St. Timothy's Church

WINGS Christmas - December A community-wide toy drive provided toys (and extras) for all WINGS families and children, the event was hosted by St. Timothy's Church

WINGS Christmas - December A community-wide toy drive provided toys (and extras) for all WINGS families and children, the event was hosted by St. Timothy's Church

WINGS Christmas - December A community-wide toy drive provided toys (and extras) for all WINGS families and children, the event was hosted by St. Timothy's Church

WINGS Christmas - December A community-wide toy drive provided toys (and extras) for all WINGS families and children, the event was hosted by St. Timothy's Church

WINGS Christmas - December A community-wide toy drive provided toys (and extras) for all WINGS families and children, the event was hosted by St. Timothy's Church

Presbyterian Vaccine Class - September WINGS hosted a vaccine class (at St. Timothy's Church) with the facilitation of Presbyterian Community Health. The class covered vaccine basics and access, including Covid and flu vaccine information and children's vaccines.

NMILC TPS Clinic - October WINGS hosted the NMILC team of staff and volunteers to hold an immigration legal clinic for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications for Venezuelan arrivals

Community Donations - Ongoing Community donations have been extremely generous and have included lots of infant formula from the UNM Southeast Heights Clinic, clothes, hygiene supplies, baby and children's toys, nonperishable foods, and lots of crafting supplies

In December, WINGS organized a holiday toy drive to collect personalized gifts for all children in WINGS-supported families. The holiday party, co-hosted with St. Timothy’s Church, brought joy to the children and highlighted the strong partnership between WINGS and its community partners. 

To expand its legal support services, WINGS collaborated with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) to host a legal clinic for Venezuelan migrants seeking Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The clinic provided these migrants with legal guidance, helping them navigate and submit complex immigration applications successfully. 

In September, WINGS joined forces with Presbyterian Community Health to offer an educational session on vaccines at St. Timothy's Church, demonstrating the program's commitment to community health and wellness. The session included a presentation from a doctor on COVID vaccines and required vaccinations for school-age children. Participants received small gift cards, tote bags, and resource guides as incentives for attending. 

LDS Food - Ongoing Through a grant from the LDS church, WINGS is able to receive and distribute large amounts of food every month to clients facing food insecurity

LDS Food - Ongoing Through a grant from the LDS church, WINGS is able to receive and distribute large amounts of food every month to clients facing food insecurity

LDS Food - Ongoing Through a grant from the LDS church, WINGS is able to receive and distribute large amounts of food every month to clients facing food insecurity

LDS Food - Ongoing Through a grant from the LDS church, WINGS is able to receive and distribute large amounts of food every month to clients facing food insecurity

LDS Food - Ongoing Through a grant from the LDS church, WINGS is able to receive and distribute large amounts of food every month to clients facing food insecurity

Thanks to a grant from the LDS Church, WINGS has been able to offer consistent food assistance to clients facing food insecurity. Beyond material support, WINGS is actively engaged in advocacy through partnerships with the Coalition of Asylum Partners (CAP) and the Steering Committee for the City of Albuquerque's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA). These partnerships have enabled WINGS to advocate for migrants and refugees effectively. For example, WINGS recently facilitated a meeting with two Albuquerque City Councilors to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the local migrant community. 

Throughout 2023, WINGS has demonstrated its commitment to supporting immigrants and refugees by fostering unity and creating pathways for those seeking safety and stability. Through its comprehensive services and advocacy, the program continues to serve as a critical resource for migrants throughout New Mexico who are working to heal and thrive in their communities.