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Like many of the children Wings of Hope helps, Brooklyn passed through many systems and foster homes. Despite her unfortunate personal life, Brooklyn cares deeply for others and wants to help others after graduating from high school. She has been accepted into a local college’s social work program and is determined to make her career dreams come true.

Alex dropped out of high school at age 16 because he was behind academically and struggled to make friends each time he changed schools. At age 19, he earned his GED, got a part-time job as a security officer, found a roommate and moved into his first apartment. As he transitions into independence, he has set his sights on pursuing further academic goals.

Lora and her two younger siblings came into care for abuse and neglect 3 years ago. Lora’s brother and sister were placed with relatives, but Lora was separated because she acted out. After cycling through multiple placements, Lora landed in Destiny’s House, where she has become a positive example to other girls as she plans for her future and works toward her goals. Before she turns 18 this year, she will complete her GED and plans to attend college.

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Anne, a 21-year-old in Osceola County’s Independent Living Program and mother to a 1-year-old son, struggled to adjust to life in the foster care system after being removed from her mother’s care because of neglect and abuse. When she “aged out” of foster care at age 18, she made some bad choices before realizing that she needed to take charge of her life.

Because she enjoys helping and taking care of others, Anne enrolled in Valencia College’s nursing A.S. to B.S. articulated degree program. Although she was eager to volunteer in her field to get more experience and better job prospects upon graduation, she couldn’t commit to a position because of the bus system’s limited schedule and multiple transfers.

Anne’s independent living counselors commended her for her focus and motivation to earn her nursing degree and provide a better life for her son. To help her achieve her goals, Wings of Hope provided her a Vespa along with well wishes for a successful future.

Download Wings of Hope Newsletter 2013

Wings of Hope was recognized as the 2012 “Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation” by the Central Florida chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

In addition, LYNX chose Wings of Hope to be among the eight local charities featured on its 2013-2014 Public Service Bus.

Download Wings of Hope Newsletter 2012

Wings of Hope was set up as a 501(c)3 private foundation over sixteen years ago. This designation was established since it was a family organization and all operating expenses were provided by the founders.

Throughout the years, however, we have essentially operated as a public charity because we raise the majority of funds from individuals and corporations.

Since a public charity has certain fundraising, administrative and tax advantages over a private foundation, we decided to apply to the IRS to formally change our status to that of a public charity.

There will be no change in our corporate name and we will continue to operate in the same way as we have in the past. And nothing will change in terms of what makes us unique:

• 100% of all that is raised through Wings of Hope goes to at-risk children and young adults “aging out” of the system
• No salaries or compensation are given to anyone affiliated with our organization
• We specify exactly how our contributions are to be used and follow up to ensure the outcome
• We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Let us know if you have any questions or if we can clarify anything for you.

Download Wings of Hope Newsletter 2011

It’s the kind of phone message you love to pick up.

“I’m interested in helping you, if I can. I was told by my sister-in-law that Wings of Hope wants to remodel an old kitchen in Brian’s House. I may be able to help. Please call me at your convenience.”

Returning the call, Tony Gautsch talked to Reza Afshari, General Contractor. While small remodeling jobs are not his usual business — larger construction jobs are — he was willing and happy to meet with Wings of Hope and the Children’s Home Society (CHS) staff to talk about what work needed to be done. What followed is most extraordinary.

At Brian’s House Tony met Reza and, after talking about what was in mind for the kitchen, he explained how he would help if we were interested:

“I will donate my time with a charge only for my materials and any labor costs I incur. I don’t want to make a dime on this. I want to do this work to help the children.” Then he suggested many improvements that he would do to make the kitchen much more functional at virtually no cost.

Here’s the plan: The kitchen will be remodeled with an effort to keep it as operational as possible during construction. Walls will be relocated to enlarge the area, cabinets and countertops removed and replaced, drop ceiling raised with new lighting, new stainless steel sink, new dishwasher, new range with microwave and new refrigerator.

An architect’s plan arranged by Reza at no charge has been approved by CHS. A cabinet manufacturer has measured for new cabinets that will be provided at manufacturer’s cost. Tile for the countertop will be purchased at distributor cost. Heavy duty appliances (commercial if needed) will be purchased at dealer cost.

Reza has devoted much time and effort to this project and will have it completed by the end of June. He is a remarkable man who constantly smiles as he gives his time, his talent and from his wallet as well.

The eight young men who live at Brian’s House,Wings of Hope and CHS are blessed that Reza chose to make such a big difference.