Peter Ashenden is returning to Alabama on Friday, July 25, 2008 to discuss hope, recovery, and wellness. In addition, on Saturday, July 26, Ann E. Spehar, CAE will help us sharpen our skills in the area of fund raising. If you reside in the Dothan area, please RSVP to reserve your space (1-888-946-4725 or 1-888-WINGSAL).

SAMHSA's Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Inclusion (ADS)Associated with Mental Health is beginning its second year of the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery, and Contact: Wings Across Alabama will be one of eleven states participating in this campaign. The "What a Difference a Friend Makes" program encourages 18 to 25 year old adults to support their friends after a mental health diagnosis. Check out http://whatadifference.org for more information.

Alternatives 2008 will be held October 29, 2008 through November 2, 2008 in Buffalo, NY. The deadline for Early Bird Registration ($350.00) is August 1, 2008. http://www.power2u.org/alternatives-2008

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has launched the Lifeline Gallery: Stories of Hope and Recovery. The Lifeline Gallery uses speaking avatar products to enable suicide survivors, attempt survivors, and suicide prevention supporters to share their stories of hope and recovery. http://www.www.lifelinegallery.org

Welcome to WingsAlabama.org
CONTACT: Wings Across Alabama is a non-profit organization for consumers of mental health services with a dedication to making positive change in the lives of consumers through education, advocacy, training, services, and technical assistance as well as through building a strong network of consumers across Alabama with the recognition that inclusion, peer support, true community involvement and participation, self-empowerment, and quality mental health services are KEY ingredients to recovery.

Why do we use geese flying in formation for our logo?
    We thought you might like to know the origin of the WINGS name and logo. In the fall, geese fly south for the winter in a "V" formation. Scientists have discovered that as each goose flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird behind it. By flying this way, the whole flock adds at least 70% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Whenever a single goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. Therefore, it learns to fly in formation. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates to the back and allows another goose to lead. Also, the geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to maintain speed. Finally, when a goose gets sick or wounded and falls out of formation, two geese follow him down to help protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly again or dies. Then, they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group.
    A group of individuals who shares common needs and vision can get where they are going quicker and easier if they travel on the thrust of one another. Together, we will achieve more as a statewide consumer organization if we fly in the same direction. As we build for the future, we encourage each of you to do whatever you can to increase the value of WINGS.