In 2007, Cheryl Duly sensed a heartfelt desire to help women who were being victimized by domestic violence. She had herself been abused by her husband and also suffered a sexual assault by another individual. The trauma of those situations brought her into a renewed relationship with her heavenly Father, who she affectionately calls “Papa” God. She gave her life over to Him and began to get out of the pit that she had fallen into. Once she was out of the pit herself she helped other women who were in similar situations. She began attending classes to learn how to help women who were in abusive situations. With help from the community and local churches, she developed a Board of Directors, opened a small donation center in St. Clair County, and established a domestic violence hotline. Thus began W.I.N.G.S. Refuge, a 501-C3 non- profit organization.