Wings for Kids

🏀Honored to partner with DAE Foundation bringing free basketball education to our Wings Kids at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center! When our community champions come full circle to mentor the next generation, everyone soars. 💙 #WingsWorks #DAEFoundation #AfterschoolProgram

💡Teaching social and emotional skills isn't just about filling students' cups—it replenishes educators' wells too. When teachers develop these competencies, classrooms transform into spaces where both learning and wellbeing flourish. #SEL #education #WingsforKids #afterschool #learning

We were honored to join E. Renee Linyard-Gary, DHA, MBA, CHW and Roper St. Francis Healthcare this morning at their Community Grant Awards Breakfast! 🎉 We are thrilled to receive a generous $5,000 grant that will support the WINGS Hearts Smarts Curriculum in Charleston and Berkeley Counties. Our evidence-based, 6-week curriculum helps young minds recognize and manage their emotions while developing positive coping strategies, improving their overall well-being. It was inspiring to connect with fellow grant recipients and hear about the incredible work happening across our community. Thank you, Roper Healthcare, for your continued support of youth development in the Charleston area. Your investment in our children's emotional well-being will help create lasting impact for generations to come. We're grateful to be part of your commitment to building a stronger, healthier community! 💙 #CommunityGrants #CharlestonSC #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact #NonprofitOrganization

🏛️ CEO Julia Rugg, Director of Programs Albertnique Howard, and Programs Coordinator and Coach Quavadas Finley are proud to represent WINGS for Kids today at the Georgia State Capitol for GSAN Afterschool Day! The evidence is clear: quality afterschool programs boost academic performance, improve attendance, and enhance mental well-being. We stand alongside our Out-of-School Time (OST) community to advocate for critical funding that supports our children's future. By investing in evidence-based practices, we invest in Georgia's next generation. Thank you to our legislators for taking the time to hear how OST programs are transforming young lives across the state. Together, we can ensure every child has access to the support they need to soar. ✈️ #AfterSchool #GAPol #Education #YouthDevelopment #WINGSforKids #GSAN

What happens to children's social emotional skills when they transition from early childhood to elementary school? Our CEO Julia Rugg explores this critical junction in child development, sharing an insight that resonates deeply: While we carefully scaffold academic skills like reading and math, we often expect early social and emotional skills to naturally mature without continued support. "Think of SEL skills as the invisible infrastructure supporting academic achievement," Julia writes. "Just as reading proficiency in third grade predicts high school graduation rates, strong social emotional skills in elementary school forecast a student's ability to navigate increasingly complex academic and social challenges." Read her full perspective here: https://lnkd.in/e-hMcnhG #Education #SEL #ChildDevelopment #ElementaryEducation  

Sending heartfelt gratitude to Julie Moreland and Morphii for choosing Wings for Kids as the recipient of their annual charitable giving initiative! Julie has been a treasured champion of our mission, consistently supporting our work and offering her leadership skills as a trusted advisory member. Julie Moreland, your commitment to empowering kids and building stronger communities is truly inspiring. Thank you for being an incredible partner in our journey to help children develop critical life skills! 💙 #CommunityImpact #NonprofitSupport #SocialEmotionalLearning

Chronic absenteeism goes far beyond simple "disengagement." Behind every empty desk lies a complex web of systemic barriers—from lack of childcare to housing instability to mental health challenges. But there's hope. Using Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills, we can create schools where students and families feel truly seen and supported. It starts with shifting our mindset from "Why won't they come to school?" to "What barriers are they facing?" When you shift from punitive measures to SEL, you can focus on: • Building authentic relationships with students and families • Creating culturally responsive learning environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging • Connecting families with community resources • Celebrating every small step toward regular attendance What strategies have you found effective for supporting attendance in your classroom or program? We want to hear! Read more from our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/dfAm2PiY #Education #StudentSuccess #TeacherSupport #SEL #EquitableEducation

We've been saying this for 25+ years - SEL isn't just 'nice to have,' it's essential for future success. When Google's leadership emphasizes that technical brilliance must be paired with social emotional skills, it validates what we see every day in our programs. Our kids aren't just learning to manage emotions and build relationships; they're developing the exact skills that will make them stand out in tomorrow's workforce. The future demands both IQ and EQ - and we're here for it! 💪 #SEL #FutureOfWork #WingsForKids"

Wings for Kids is delighted to announce the addition of two exceptional leaders to our Board of Directors!🎉 We are thrilled to welcome Max Gray and Bliss Lansing to the flock! As we navigate an exciting period of growth, we look forward to benefiting from their invaluable expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to our mission. #NewBoardMembers #WingsforKids #NewYear Read more: https://lnkd.in/gTQYhnza

🏒 Players with a Purpose! 🏒 We’re celebrating the South Carolina Stingrays’ new initiative that combines hockey and giving back! Through Players with a Purpose, fans can support causes selected by players, with $5 from every ticket benefiting their chosen charity. Thank you, Justin Nachbaur, for choosing Wings for Kids! Your support helps us equip children with the social-emotional skills they need to thrive. Get your tickets and make an impact: https://lnkd.in/eazd6VuF Let’s cheer for the Stingrays and our community! ❤️ #PlayersWithAPurpose #WingsForKids #HockeyForGood Learn more about the initiative here: https://lnkd.in/ezUmtQCp