Why the Wings Foundation

An unwavering commitment to family, community and stronger tomorrows was the flag under which the Young Women’s Christian Association (aka the YWCA) of Huron stood for over 100 years. During those decades, hundreds of thousands of young lives were touched by the programs and assistance offered through this organization. Nearly as many staff, instructors, volunteers, and benefactors gave of their time, talents, and money to create a true community resource. 

As much as the YWCA evolved over the year to keep up with the evolution of women and continued to strive to be an asset to the community, the last decade brought many questions as to the value, in light of the cost. The governing board of directors soon found the aging service organization asset heavy and cash poor with a dwindling list of programs.  Much time was dedicated to researching a solution, but it soon became apparent the YWCA needed to be dismantled.

“It was not an easy decision to make, but we felt we had exhausted all options”, explained Board President, Dawn Mutchelknaus. In lieu of giving up, the team made plans to ‘reinvent’ the YWCA, beginning with the essence of the original mission and a focus on keeping the value of the assets tied to Huron and the surrounding area. It took several years, but the physical assets were liquidated and are currently being fully utilized by others in the Redfield and Huron communities.

During this time, the YWCA was officially dissolved, and the WINGS Foundation was established as part of the South Dakota Community Foundation. All YWCA funds were then committed to the foundation, while maintaining a local seven women board of directors made up of Paullyn Carey, Heather Rozell, Janice Christensen, Jennifer Fuchs, Laura McGirr, Sara Newman, and Dawn Mutchelknaus.

The earnings from this sizable foundation are now being distributed back to Huron and the surrounding communities through the grant application process of the Huron Community Foundation, as well as direct requests. Approved funds must align with the following directive.

‘Funding designated to achieve the successful establishment or continuation of new or existing family services and community infrastructure in Huron and surrounding areas. Preference will be granted to those requests which provide support for the growth, protection and overall benefit of women and children in an effort to fortify community and strengthen the family unit.’

It is with this mission, the WINGS Foundation has confirmed the YWCA’s legacy and unwavering commitment for the next 100 years to family, community, and stronger tomorrows.