The Wayside Center in Elgin is a place where the church can connect with the homeless and needy in their community. Guests come to the Center for food, clothing, and laundry - but receive much more! They are connected with counselors, Bible Studies and programs that can lead them to a godly and growing life.

Since 1993, the Wayside Center in Elgin has been transforming the lives of the hurting and needy. With the help of faithful volunteers, the Wayside Center helps over 200 individuals every month with practical, life-altering services. As a daytime shelter, the Center operates a job skills program, life skills classes, a job liaison program and one-on-one mentoring relationships while providing lockers, showers, laundry services, meals, two daily Bible studies and personal motivational case management.

To support this Ministry, click the red “Donate Now” button and designate Elgin Wayside Center.

Discipleship House

The Wayside Center operates the Discipleship House, a home facility in Elgin. The Discipleship House is a Christian family environment for impoverished men working to stabilize their lifestyle and lead stronger Christian lives. Residents are involved in local churches and also attend Bible studies, counseling and mentoring sessions at the Wayside Center. Employment is a mandatory and significant element of the program.

 

One-to-One Mentoring

Wayside's mentoring program is designed to match guests with trained volunteers who will help guide them through the life changes that are necessary to lead healthy and productive lives.

Achievement Program

Wayside's trained counselors tailor an Achievement Program for each guest's specific situation. Each participant in the Achievement Program receives daily training in work ethics. This enables them to prepare for re-entering the work force. We also refer guests, especially those struggling with addictions, to our residential recovery programs in Aurora.

LAST YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS

Homeless Served

• 17,160 warm meals served
• 19,020 cups of warm coffee served
• 207 NEW individuals received service this year
• Decisions for Christ
• 62 individuals placed in permanent or supportive housing

Community Outreach

• Clothing items distributed
• Holiday meals served
• People received furniture
• Christmas presents to needy children

Discipleship

• Mentors trained
• Volunteer led Bible studies held – 832
• Discipleship house participants
• Volunteers served 62 hours on average weekly

Pat's Story

It's been over eight years now since Pat left a life of lies and self-destruction...drugs and prostitution. Her story is truly a testimony of God’s amazing power to transform a life.

After growing up in an abusive home...followed by three failed marriages, in her mid-30's Pat turned to drugs and prostitution to numb the pain. Her lifestyle ultimately lead her to spend time in prison - where upon release, she found herself alone and homeless.

For two weeks, in the heart of winter, Pat lived on the streets before discovering the Elgin Wayside Center. It was there, she encountered compassion and acceptance – along with a hot shower, clean clothes and food! That day marked the beginning of a journey to a new life and discovering Jesus. Along her journey, Pat met a Godly man who saw the beautiful woman inside – and he helped and waited for her to heal. She entered a rehabilitation program and one year later they were married. Today, Pat is dedicated to help those she meets at the Wayside Center where she regularly visits – those who are stuck along the path of pain and destruction she was once on.

Pat and David have their own home in Carpentersville and are members and active volunteers at the Greater Grace Church of Chicagoland. Pat works and uses her earnings to purchase needed items for Wayside's clients.

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Sharon's Story

After the death of both her parents, Sharon lost her home and had no place to go. Depressed and confused she turned to the Elgin Wayside Center during the day—and P.A.D.S. by night. During her time at Wayside she was a model guest...always keeping a good attitude and maintaining a positive influence on everyone around her. Yet she remained scared to step out and begin building a life without her parents. After a year at Wayside, both the staff and volunteers were able to encourage Sharon to take the next step by applying at Lifespring, Wayside Cross Ministries residential program for women. To the glory of God, today Sharon continues to be a model resident and is growing in every way.

In Touch Newsletter Fall 2013
In Touch Newsletter Winter 2012

 

 

 

To volunteer, contact Phil Wood at 847-695-4405.

• Van Driver (am & pm)—volunteers are encouraged to take at least one shift per week.
• Provide and serve lunch for 40, once a month
• Bible study teachers—especially for the women
• Counselors
• Disciplers
• Evangelists
• Prayer partners
• Front desk assistance
• Shoppers
• Van maintenance - upkeep and repair
• Teachers (computer classes, anger management, life skills)

Click HERE to apply online to volunteer.
Click HERE to download Volunteer Application Form.

To support this Ministry, click the red “Donate Now” button and designate Elgin Wayside Center.

Elgin Wayside Center is located at 
1732 Berkley Street in Elgin, Illinois 60123

HOURS: 8 am – 4 pm on Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday)

Phil Wood, Director
Telephone: 847-695-4405
Fax: 847-695-4657
Email: [email protected]