UHW 2024 Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

Seventeen years ago, Dr. Lorena Hunt, a respected OB/GYN in Fairhope, Alabama, saw the deepimpact of childhood trauma and felt the conviction to look after the interests of families in crisis.Answering God’s call, she founded Under His Wings in 2008, opening the first home in 2013.Today, her vision continues to change lives, with over 70 young women finding healing and hopethrough our doors—creating a ripple effect that strengthens their families and the community.2024 has been a season of growth, transformation, and steadfast commitment to our mission atUnder His Wings. We remain dedicated to providing a nurturing Christian home for girls, betweenthe ages of 13-18, who have experienced adversities. Additionally, we have expanded our reach toserve girls and their families through therapeutic care, coaching, and community engagement.This annual report outlines our accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and future goals,highlighting the measurable outcomes of our work.Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Impact37 young ladies directly impacted5 courageous young ladies entered the home this year, beginning their journey torestoration.24 additional participants received counseling through our expanded outreach program.7 Alumnae received support including counseling, coaching, connection, and educationassistance to help them navigate life beyond Under His Wings. Parent Training and Community Support: We partnered with a local community center andnon-profit to host Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training for 5 of their familiesand hosted another training for 30 attendees. Looking ahead to 2025, our vision is expanding. In Alabama, students are not legally recognized asadults until 19, making it difficult for those without family support to secure housing. We haveidentified a critical gap in services for young women aged 18-23 in Baldwin County who needguidance, mentorship, and practical life skills. Many simply need a support system—assistancewith college applications, job readiness, and the confidence to step into adulthood. We arecommitted to bridging that gap, ensuring they are seen, valued, and equipped for a bright futureby constructing a second home which will allow us to expand our residential program. We are profoundly grateful for the lives Under His Wings has touched in 2024 and for theunwavering support of those who walk this journey with us. As we embrace the blessings andchallenges of 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission—to offer hope, healing, andtransformation, one young woman at a time. Thank you for your faithfulness, generosity, and prayers. Together, we are witnessing Godtransform lives from the inside out in the name of Jesus Christ. - Arcelia MillerLetter from the Executive Director

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Under His Wings Residential ProgramOur inaugural program continues to serve teen girls ages 13-18, providing a structured,nurturing environment where they develop personal responsibility, resilience, and self-worth.With the guidance of dedicated houseparents who model honesty, integrity, and hard work,residents learn to thrive. Through personalized education with a private tutor, a DISC assessment as well as limitedsocial media access, each girl is provided a structured plan for wholeness, empowering her tofocus on her gifts and discover her identity free from distractions and unhealthy influences.Girls spend an average of 10 months in our home, where some experience a healthy familydynamic for the first time and others develop their own values and beliefs outside of externalpressures. Because participation in Under His Wings is voluntary, each girl arrivesunderstanding that success comes through commitment to their mind, body, and spiritualwell-being. We follow the example of Jesus Christ, but we welcome every girl as she is. Faith isa personal journey, and we do not require participants to convert to Christianity, recognizingthat their values and beliefs must be their own.We believe families play a crucial role in a girl’s long-term success. Parents and guardianscommit to family counseling and trauma education, equipping them to provide lastingsupport. Trauma affects entire families, leaving many feeling helpless and unsure of how toguide their daughters, granddaughters, or nieces. At Under His Wings, our ultimate goal is tobring healing not just to the girls, but to their families as well.Help the girls plan based on theoutcome of the Discovery Phase.Creating SMART Goals we beginto cast a vision of what steps totake to achieve thier personaldreams for their future.2-3 monthsDiscovery We walk alongside thegirls to discover theirgifts, convictions, values,triggers, dreams Planning2-3 monthsPut into practice the plan takingactual steps towards their goals.Receive and provide feedbackweekly from girls, counselorsand parent/guardian.Implementation2-3 monthsMonitoringThe girls return home,however their progress iscontinuously monitoredduring this transition backinto the home andaccountability is available2-3 monthsPersonal, Professional, Spiritual Development Phases have graced the Under His Wings home,creating an amazing group of alumnae45

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Care Coach – Providing biblically guided supportto help girls set and achieve future goals.Podcast: Listen in Love A Christ-centeredconversation on mental health and well-being,offering wisdom and encouragement each month.Community Training – Equipping caregivers withbiblical principles and practical tools to nurtureand support those in their care.Counseling Program – Provides referrals to trustedorganizations, ongoing support for returning girls, andoutreach to parents, all rooted in biblical principles ofhealing and restoration.Family Counseling – Strengthening families throughChrist-centered guidance, offering hope and renewal forthose in need.Parental Coaching & Training – Equipping parents andguardians with biblically based tools to lead, nurture, andsupport their children effectively.Listen In Love PodcastExpanding OutWe were ranked the #2 podcast in Mental Healthin Alabama for 2024. To date we’ve had over 500downloads of the program. Our goal is to impactmodern culture by merging biblical principleswith accurate psychological practices to educateand encourage listeners to a happier, holier life.You can find us on all podcast platforms. We aimto make mental health relatable.

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Counseling & Coaching ProgramNavigating the obstacles caused by the pandemic, the Lordprovided another opportunity to serve our community. Werealized we could still provide healing for girls struggling withhard things even if they didn’t need residential respite. Thus ouroff-campus program was born. Providing a counselor and aplace to meet, we support the cost so that money is never anobstacle to healing.As a TBRI practitioner, our Director has the privilege of providingTBRI training to the community, hosting workshops that share theinvaluable lessons we have gained through our experiences atUnder His Wings. Our goal is to bring lasting value to thecommunity, and these workshops serve as a meaningful way toextend our impact beyond our walls.Alumnae ProgramOnce a girl graduates from Under His Wings, they become apermanent part of our family. They are encouraged to maintain aconnection with our staff as they wish or need. Often, we getupdates on their lives; some enter college, others started families,some enter the workforce. We love that we remain a part of their lives. It’s a reminder that the hard work, effort, and prayers from ourstaff and residents are worth it. 7 Alumnae Assisted45 counseling program (ages 11-23)Trauma is very personal and can happen at any age. Event or circumstances could include:Physical harm: abuse (physical, sexual), bullyingEmotional harm: neglect, grief, mental abuseLife-threatening harm: violence, natural disasters,medicalThis can have a lasting adverse effects on the individual’smental, physical, emotional, social, and/or spiritual well-being. Trauma can display itself as a learning disabilities,self-harm, behavioral issues, etc.

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Spreading Our Wings Helping Young Women Become ResilientOne vision for 2025 is to expand our ministry to serve young women, aged 18-23, byoffering them the same love, support, and guidance that we provide to our youngerresidents. These are women who are ready to step into the next phase of life but don'thave access to support or guidance. The need to assist young women to become self-sufficient adults, helping them with furthering their education, career assistance or a roofover their heads is prevalent in our community. To achieve this step, we are praying for the resources to repurpose our current homewhich would allow us to support up to 8 young women at a time. Our goal is to beginbuilding a new home for our teen girls that will better accommodate the needs of theresidential program by 2026.We continue to be thankful for thesupport from IMPACT 100, TrulandHomes, The Cox Family Foundationand 70+ community businesses whoprovided the means to constructour first permanent home in 2017.We believe God has placed unique gifts and talents in His people and will stir hearts tocontribute to His kingdom. First, we ask you to join us in prayer—seeking His kingdom andasking if this is the work He has prepared for you.Financial support is our greatest need, but there are many ways to bless Under His Wings.As we build a new home in 2025 for young women ages 18-23, we welcome contributionslike building materials, furnishings, and labor. Beyond a home, we provide counseling, life-skills coaching, and career guidance to help these young women step into their futures.Who do you know that we should know? Connecting us with the right people can be justas impactful as a financial gift.You can also support us by following and sharing our mission on social media, signing upfor our newsletter, and attending events. All links to social media and newsletter can befound on the last page of this report. By spreading the word, you help build a communityof hope and transformation. Thank you for being part of this mission!How Can You Help in 2025?

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According to the National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, studiesshow that about 15% to 43% of girls go through at least one trauma. This can be abuse,witness violence, or being a victim of violence. There’s also substantial evidence thatcounseling offers significant benefits that ultimately improve overall mental healthand quality of life, while individuals who do not get help may struggle to address thelasting effects of trauma on their lives. (U.S. National Institutes of Health)Residential45%Administration30%Off-Campus20%Alumnae5%Supporters54%Grants24%Corporate9%Church6%Development5%Team2%AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOVEThrough a series of events, Under HisWings provided emergency assistanceat the urgent request of DHR. A young girl in crisis was welcomed intothe home, where the residentsimmediately sprang into action—sharing their personal belongings andoffering kindness to make her feel safeand loved. Witnessing their willingnessto support and care for her is a powerfulreminder that the love within our homeis meant to be shared beyond its walls.2024 IMPACT5 Residential Program23 Counseling Program1 Life Coaching Program7 Alumnae assisted300 hours of counseling and/orcoaching36 lives directly impacted Over 30 volunteers serving 150 hours These lives impacted create a ripple effectthat extends to families, educators, andthe broader community.Meeting the NeedLooking at the NumbersProgram Dollars UsedOur Supporters

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Annual EventsA Night to SowTea & TestimonyA Night to Sow is more than just our annual November fundraiser—it’s a powerful evening that reflects on how Under His Wingshas served the community while casting a vision for the yearahead. It is a time of worship, gratitude, and prayer, as we thank God for His faithfulness and seek His guidance for the future.This event gives supporters and potential partners theopportunity to witness the impact of our work and be inspired to walk alongside us in reaching those who are hurting. It is also a special reunion for our alumnae, a time to reconnect and celebrate how far they’ve come.Whether in gowns, suits, or casual wear, what matters most isnot what we wear, but that our hearts are aligned with God’s will.With great food, fellowship, and a silent auction, the night comestogether as a meaningful gala—sowing seeds of hope andplanting a vision for the future of Under His Wings.SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 18TH 2025 The Bible tells us that we are saved by “the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” Tea & Testimony is our special spring event in Orange Beach, Alabama, where women come together for a morning of fellowship, worship, and powerful testimonies from alumnae and families. Enjoy a beautifully curated brunch while experiencing the joy of community and shared faith. As part of the event, table hostesses add a uniquetouch by decorating their tables with tea cups, flowers,and personal accents. Hostesses are encouraged toinvite seven friends to join them, creating an intimateand welcoming experience. As a thank-you for hosting,you’ll receive a $10 discount on your ticket!With only 10 hostess spots available, we encourage youto sign up early. Come be part of this inspiring gathering—where stories of hope are shared, hearts are uplifted,and God’s faithfulness is celebrated.SAVE THE DATE: MAY 2ND 2025

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Annual EventsStirring Up the Community Candy Cane Dash This free event is a evening that brings the communityand youth together to worship, share testimonies and showcase the talents of our youth for the gloryof the Lord. With food, fellowship and a warm cup of coffee, this event focuses on the vision for the Stir Community Development Center that is part of our strategic plan to build as an outreach to all youth in our area. SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 10TH 2025Our annual Candy Cane Dash 5K fun run/walk is afestive event in December that brings families togetherto create lasting memories, stay active, and supportour ministry. Looking ahead, our vision is to expand Candy Cane Dash into a full morning event—starting with the run and followed by a vibrant market featuring local artisans, crafters, and vendors. We invite you to join us for this joyful tradition as we race toward a future of growth and community impact!SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 13TH 2025 Dates subject to change

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Advisory CouncilBecky HarrisDennis StastkaJoan StastkaBilly MillerLynn Mostyn*BoardDr. Lorena HuntSummer WilliamsDr. Dana Watson Steve DorseyIt Takes A TeamWe are deeply grateful that God has provided a dedicated team who faithfullyanswer His call, knowing there is strength in numbers. While we operate with only full-time houseparents and an executive director, the rest of our team serves in part-timeor limited roles, stepping in as needed. We are committed to being faithful stewardsof every resource entrusted to us, ensuring sustainability while honoring the biblicalprinciple of caring for those who serve. We are especially thankful for our supporterswho recognize that without people, our programs could not exist.“not by my strength but His” Zechariah 4:6Holly LoganCHIEF OF STAFFAdmin Arcelia MillerEXECUTIVEDIRECTORKimberly CharestMARKETING COORDINATORResidential Mike & Sara ParkerHOUSEPARENTSDanielle ByronEDUCATIONAL DIRECTORAbby BennettRESIDENTAL COUNSELORNitza BedsoleHEALTH & WELLNESS COACHVelma FrancoRELIEFBeverly KruegerRELIEFCommunity OutreachAshleigh StricklandCOUNSELORTracy FarnellCARE COACH

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Wall of SupportIt takes the support of many to make the vision become reality. The generosity of our past,current and future supporters allows the doors to remain open and create an environmentthat allows Under His Wings to continue to spread our wings and expand our reach to themental wellness and needs of our community.Baldwin EMC Charitable FoundationBarnhart Barton Commercial ServicesChristian Community Foundation ofMemphis & Mid-SouthCoastal EventsCromeans FoundationCox Family FoundationEastern Shore Medical AllianceEastern Shore Optimist Club DogwoodProgramEvan’s MeatsGlaze FoundationGrace Construction Co., Inc.Hancock WhitneyHG Clay FoundationHoly Spirit Thrift StoreHome Design Center LLCHorne Community FoundationIsaak Family Charitable FundKind Cafe FairhopeMalbis Memorial FoundationONO Men's ClubSchwab CharitableSt. Paul's Episcopal Church Thrift ShopStastka Insurance Agency IncThe Better Place FoundationThe Bill & Lana McNair Charitable Fund atVanguardThe Blackbaud Giving FundThe Islander Food ShackThe J.L. Bedsole FoundationThe Sheffield FundThe Snook FoundationThe Wharf Orange BeachUnited Way of Baldwin CountyWomen with WingsRobert & Ellen AdamsonDouglas & Ledela BeanLarry BeauchampSonja BlountAshlie Charest-LeeChris & Natalie ConradSamuel & Ann CrosbyKevin & Amy CrossBill & Peggi DouglassJames GatzKathie GillLarry GlessnerRebecca HarrisAdam HerronPamela HillMike KirkBeverly KruegerMelissa LasterThe Bethel Baptist ChurchCelebration ChurchChurch of the ApostlesChristian Life The Island ChurchEast Pointe Baptist ChurchEastern Shore Presbyterian ChurchFaith Family FellowshipFirst Baptist Church of Bay MinetteFirst FairhopeFirst Methodist ChurchGulf Coast Presbyterian ChurchLoxley Church of GodMarlow United Methodist ChurchOasis ChurchPleasant Grove Baptist ChurchSouth River Park Church of GodSouthSide Baptist Church of Bay MinetteTrinity Presbyterian ChurchJeff & Claire LattureMarilyn LippoldErnie LivingstonDeborah MuseDaniel & Shonna Nance Gary & Jennifer NelsonLarry PoseyTracy PoseyDorcas RegelbruggePamela RoeschDavid SokolLore SpencerCurtis & Dr. Lorena Hunt SpencerMarilyn StastkaGeri StastkaJames SwearingenGregory & Christine Wooten Beth WootenBusinesses and OrganizationsChurchesIndividuals with donationsat $500 or more

UHW 2024 Annual Report

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