The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa, with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event, OKCNP is celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Wings Special Needs Community (Wings) is a finalist in the Self-Sufficiency category.

“As a finalist, we are humbled knowing our strategic planning and passion to carry out our work has been recognized,” said Cheri Weaver, executive director, Wings. “We would like to thank our board of directors for their wisdom and leadership. With deep appreciation for their contagious enthusiasm, our hard working staff and many volunteers who expand the capacity of our staff make our programs excellent.”

Wings was founded in 2004 by families that were concerned about what their children with developmental disabilities would do after high school graduation and beyond.

 Wings’ mission is “to enhance the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through social, vocational and residential programs guided by the principles of the Bible.”

Serving 166 member ranging in age from 19 to 63 years old, Wings programs include a day program where members can choose from volunteer opportunities or life skill classes like health, culinary arts, and computer skills. The organization also hosts a monthly social club where members get together for dinner and dancing.

“Wings feels like home, sweet home baby,” said Brendon, Wings’ client. “It is a perfect place to be together as a family. I love doing health and wellness because I get to use the cardio machines, do basketball drills and walk around the track.”

Volunteer opportunities include assembling hygiene packs, emergency supply kits and backpacks filled with school supplies, all of which are distributed through partner nonprofits. Members also have the opportunity to volunteer onsite at Oklahoma City metro area nonprofits.

“Wings provides essential services to the most vulnerable population in Oklahoma City,” said Kim Garret, CEO and founder of Palomar, a Wings’ partner organization. “We couldn’t do this critical work without them and are so thankful for their partnership.”

Last year, Wings member volunteers built a transition room for life skills classes. The transition room looks and feels like a fully-equipped apartment with kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom.

Wings’ programs allow their members to grow their independence while enhancing their social skills and empowering them to connect with their peers and celebrate their unique gifts.

To learn more about Wings Special Needs Community, visit their website:  https://wingsok.org/.

The ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://www.okcnp.org/page/one-awards.