| W.I.N.G.S. for Life, Inc. (Women In Need of Greater Strength) is a 501(c) 3 private, non-profit organization serving teenaged mothers between the ages of 16-21. W.I.N.G.S. is part of a nationally recognized organization called Associated Marine Institutes, Inc., (AMI). AMI currently operates residential and day treatment programs in seven different states and has been serving at-risk and troubled youth for over thirty (30) years |
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This twelve bed, gender specific program is located on the outskirts of San Antonio on a seven acre, ranch style setting. Our program provides treatment and educational services to all youth in our care. These services include enrollment in a charter school or GED courses, parenting, independent living as well as group and individual counseling. Housing is provided for each resident and her child, along with an on site child development center where the children and babies spend their days while the mothers participate in various program services.
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| W.I.N.G.S. for Life is the first AMI program of its kind in Texas and one of only a few throughout the United States. This treatment driven program is unique in the sense that it will incorporate community-based services with clinical counseling, victim advocacy, reality therapy and educational services designed to meet the unique needs of each girl in our care.
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While W.I.N.G.S. of Texas is a fairly new program, AMI has served thousands of troubled youth throughout our country and we are proud to say that we have experienced tremendous success over the years. Our overall rate of recidivism is at 26%. This means that we have helped thousands of kids who were on their way to becoming a liability, a burden to the state (tax payers) and helped them become an asset, a contributor to their homes, families and communities.
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| Our company philosophy has always been “KIDS FIRST”. Now with WINGS for Life, a program designed to serve teen mothers AND their babies, this philosophy is two fold. We have always been dedicated to the philosophy of preventing and reducing juvenile delinquency and encouraging positive lifestyles. Our approach is to effectively provide troubled youth with guidance, education, and positive role modeling in a structured, more restrictive environment, while preparing them to succeed at home in their own communities.
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The residents at W.I.N.G.S. for Life program are referred by the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) because they have been identified as appropriate candidates for community based programming instead of being incarcerated. We work closely with TYC, Juvenile Parole Officers, and families to ensure we offer our residents the necessary services and skills needed to help them succeed upon re-entry into their communities |
| The W.I.N.G.S. for Life program offers intense academic and vocational education. Subjects taught are relevant to improving each girl’s grade equivalency and individual skills. Subjects include core education (Math, English, Science, etc.) as well as GED Preparation, Life Skills, Parenting, and Independent Living. Our program is designed to enhance self and community awareness, responsibility, independence and personal accountability. With guidance our students are encouraged to set both long and short-term goals; these newly acquired skills will help these girls transition home and become more productive members of their community.
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