The Mission of Wings for L.I.F.E. is to build and strengthen healthy family relationships and individual life-skills through "best practice" programs that produce positive
behaviors while respecting the dignity of those we serve in Chaves County,
New Mexico.
Our Story:
How It All Began
In October, 2005, Wings for L.I.F.E. in Roswell, New Mexico began as an affiliate of Wings for L.I.F.E. out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, founded by Anne Edenfield Sweet. The Community Outreach Meeting, offered twice a month, was the first program to be established. By October 2007, Roswell W.F.L., Inc., d/b/a Wings for L.I.F.E. became an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
The Community Outreach Meetings feature local professionals as well as various service providers that discuss important topics that impact our community, as well as information on how to access valuable resources. There is childcare available, but afterwards all join for a family-centered meal prepared on-site. Special events such as the Back to School Party and Barbecue Swim Party, etc., provide a safe and friendly environment for families and individuals that attend.
In March 2007, Wings for L.I.F.E. was invited to set up a program that provided cognitive behavior, substance abuse/relapse prevention and other topics of importance for men and women detained at the Chaves County Detention Center. Wings for L.I.F.E. has one of the longest running programs in this facility. In 2008, a program for youth detained at the Chaves County Juvenile Detention Center was started and continues to this day.
In February 2009, the Superintendent of Roswell Independent School District (RISD), granted permission for Wings for L.I.F.E. to start a social and emotional learning skills pilot program. Plans for implementing Building Assets, based on Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, were set in motion at one elementary school with 10 children enrolled. Search Institute is nationally recognized for its research regarding healthy development in young people. The social and emotional learning skills known as Assets are important because they promote academic success, reduce engagement in risky behaviors, and give young people the power to make positive choices. Today, there are fifteen weekly programs in all twelve elementary schools in the district working with over 300 children.
In January 2014, Why Try, an evidence-based program, started as a pilot program in one middle school. Weekly programs for sixth through eighth grade students focus on personal growth rather than risky behaviors. Program participants are able to internalize and practice positive values. This program has also expanded and is offered in three middle schools.
Community Parenting Classes offered weekly provide quality parenting instruction to all those wanting to improve their parenting skills. The program is structured in such a way that parents can enter at any time and can complete the entire 15-week course. This prevents delays in admission for those needing to enter immediately. Classes are court-approved. Childcare is available. Certificate offered upon completion.
Most importantly, Wings for L.I.F.E. provides a supportive and empowering environment for participants. All programs are offered free of charge.
Striving to build a healthy community life through which all our members can grow in their own gifts