W.I.N.G.S. Refuge began as a vision God placed in the heart of Cheryl Duly, Executive Director.  Through her personal life experiences of domestic and sexual abuse as well as addiction, she found herself in the depths of despair with no hope, no place to go and no one to help.  As she slowly began to work through her trials and overcome her addictions through the power of Jesus Christ, she wanted to share this hope with others in her same situation.  She wanted other women to know there is HOPE!  There is a way out! 

W.I.N.G.S. Refuge was born out of incredible victories and tremendous hope in reaching others with this same love and acceptance that Cheryl had experienced.
 

Cheryl's Story
My life was a mess.  I was an angy, hopeless alcoholic.  I was abused by my husband and I fought back by abusing him.  I was sexually assaulted in 2006 by someone other than my husband.  All I could think of was - I'm sure I'm not the only one this happened to.  What about all the other women?  Does anyone care about them?  Is there anyone to help us find our way out of this cycle?  The trauma of that experience and the hoplessness I felt made me think, there has to be a better way.  There has to be someone to help women like me have the hope that only Jesus Christ can bring.

So - I found a better way!  I turned my life back to the one true God and chose to follow Him only.  My recovery is an amazing story of what an Amazing Savior and Redeeming God we have!  All my success and all my failures belong to Him!  As I began to get out of the pit I was in, I began to focus on helping others.

The more I talked with my God, the more I knew I wanted to help these survivors.  Survivors just like me.  Believe it or not, I told God that if my husband would support me, I would do whatever he asked me to do to help other survivors.  Guess what, my husband is my biggest supporter!  He said - go for it!  So, I did.

I started researching what we might need to develop an organization in our community and attended training classes for Abusive and Domestic situations as well as overcoming addictions.  I kept praying.  I knew I had a big God - I just didn't know what He wanted me to do.  So I kept praying. With plenty of help from the community and local churches, we developed a Board for accountability and opened a small donation center to help domestic violence survivors in St. Clair County.  The Unique Boutique (thrift store) was started to help meet the needs of our ministry.  We also developed a crisis helpline for those in need and have built a working relationship with our area officials to help in crisis intervention.

One day at church, a woman asked me if I was opening a women's shelter.  Before I could think I replied, "YES!"  Yes?  God are you sure?  I felt he said, "Yes.  Don't limit me.  I am bigger than you think!"   But how?  We began to research opening a Women's Shelter.  We visited several working shelters.  I continued to attend training classes and research resources.  We tried several times to open a women's shelter, but it never worked.  UNTIL . . .  GOD.  Recently, God dropped in our laps a fully-functioning shelter for women and children with on-site staff!  WOW!! 

We are so grateful to our local churches and area community!  We could not do what we do with out their help and support.  Not to mention, our faithful, selfless volunteers! 

One other blessing - We operate with an amazing volunteer staff and limited Government assistance!  Our belief is that God will provide!

It's amazing what can happen if we just sit back and do what He asks us to do, when He asks us to do it.  This is beyond my wildest dreams!  I can't wait to see what He will do with this amazing facility.  What a blessing!

Cheryl is available for speaking engagements such as luncheon, retreats, conferences and special events.  She loves to share her personal journey and the vision of W.I.N.G.S. Refuge. Call 417-646-8444 for more information.




The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1

Cheryl Duly featured on Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and the 700 Club

May 4, 2010

Cheryl Duly's personal testimony was aired on CBN on May 4, 2010.

Follow this link to see Cheryl's story: www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/Cheryl_Duly_050410.aspx

Our mission is to bring hope, healing and restoration to survivors of Domestic and Sexual Abuse
through the unconditional love of Jesus Christ and the Power of His Word.