April 2024 - Volume 36, Number 3 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)

“THEY LOVE YOU BACK TO LIFE!”

Steven, Wayside Bargain Center Manager

Desperate and lost, Steven arrived at Wayside Christian Mission. There, he found more than just addiction recovery: he reconnected with his faith. This spiritual awakening, coupled with the Mission's supportive community, became the foundation for his healing.

“When you become homeless, you don't really think that anybody cares. But Wayside cares. They love you back to life!”

Wayside didn't just help Steve get sober; they offered him a job managing their thrift store (9125 Galene Drive in J’town). Steven's past experience shines as he connects with customers and contributes to the Mission's work.

For Steven, Wayside is more than a shelter or store; it's a place of transformation. They provide not just material goods but also the chance to rebuild shattered lives and reconnect with oneself and God.

Steven invites Wayside supporters to visit the store, not just to shop, but to experience the positive atmosphere, donate to their cause, and witness the positive impact they have on the community.

Click here to see Steven’s story

Shop Wayside's 33,000 square foot thrift store for amazing bargains. Proceeds help the shelter’s many programs, and clients shop for free clothes and furniture to rebuild their lives.

VISIT STEVEN AT WAYSIDE’S BARGAIN CENTER WHERE HE WAITS WITH OPEN ARMS TO MAKE YOU FEEL WELCOME!

Bargain Center, 9125 Galene Drive in Jeffersontown.

Open M-S 10:30-8, Sun Noon-6

DIRECTOR'S CORNER: HE JOURNEYED FROM COMA TO SOBRIETY!

In a coma and near death, with God’s help and a ventilator, Greg survived!

Greg had been struggling with alcohol and drug addiction for many years. This led to him losing his job, his apartment, and damaging relationships with his wife and children.

In 2018, he entered a Louisville rehab facility but relapsed shortly after leaving. Feeling very sick, he then drank a pint of vodka as he made his way to the hospital, where he fell into a coma for 3 months due to a perforated bowel and sepsis. His kids and siblings sat bedside fearing the worst. In fact, they had already started making funeral plans! But, through God’s Grace, he awakened and had to spend time in a nursing home learning to eat and walk again.

Unfortunately, that near-death event wasn’t enough of a life lesson. In 2022, he ended up using and homeless again. A sister living in Nebraska did web research and found an open bed at Wayside. Greg moved into the shelter where he was eventually given the opportunity to participate in their Sober Living Recovery program, which he completed. He has been sober since January 2023 and is working as a lead volunteer in Wayside’s recovery program. He feels grateful to God and the Mission for the help he has received and wants to give back to others.

Greg offers a message of hope to others struggling with addiction:

“If you think you have a problem, seek help. There is a better life on the other side.”

HOMELESS PET OWNERS GET
FREE VETERINARIAN HELP

50 ATTEND MUSIC THERAPY CLASS AND EVERYONE JOINS IN SINGING

The Pets4Life team examined both dogs & cats.

The Shelter was jumping to Ms. Sarah's tunes.

The nonprofit, Pets4Life, brought free vet help to the Shelter in February. Karen Mujica of Pets4Life said the owners are grateful. “We've been told many times from people that their pets are the most important thing in their lives and what keeps them sober.”

Almost 50 children and adults gathered at the Shelter’s classroom to experience a music therapy class led by Ms. Sarah, a music therapy teacher. Music therapy provides a safe and creative outlet for people to express many difficult emotions.

UPS Foundation Donates Nearly 25,000 Pairs of Socks!

Andrew Takami and several other UPS team members delivered almost 25,000 pairs of socks to Wayside.

For the fourth straight year, the UPS Foundation has made a huge sock donation to the Mission. Socks are so important to homeless people because they spend their days walking in the rain, cold, and heat. They need good, clean socks to keep their feet protected and prevent infections that could lead to disastrous results.

Andrew Takami of UPS summed it up well: “Socks are important, they’re what keep you grounded, so when you can keep your feet warm, protected, and comfortable, every other part of your being is probably going to last the day longer. Comfort goes a long way with everything else, emotional, psychological, physical, everything. So to me, socks are very important.” Wayside is once again extremely grateful for UPS’ generosity!

CLICK HERE to watch the news coverage by local TV stations

‘YOUTH WITH A MISSION’ SORTS SOCKS FOR MISSION’S HOMELESS

YWAM members helped sort UPS socks.

Young Christians from ‘Youth With A Mission’ (YWAM) spent time recently helping to sort through some of the UPS sock donation. They brought a lot of energy and made a hard job much easier and fun! Thank you, YWAM!

ARAMARK DONATES 600 LUNCHES TO HELP FEED MANY AT THE SHELTER

A mission worker helps unload the Aramark lunches.

Aramark Food Services donated 600 lunches to the Shelter in early March. The lunch sacks had been made all over the state, assembled and delivered to the Shelter. Each sack included a tasty sandwich, a bag of chips and cookies. Big thanks to Aramark!

Masons Bring Clothes to the Shelter

Homeless individuals find needed clothes, donated via the Masons.

A Masons group brought a much-needed assortment of clothes, shoes and other supplies to the Shelter in February. They collect the donations from neighborhoods and various other groups to help their community. This is their third year of helping the Mission.

One mom, Shelby, was very grateful for these donations: “It just makes us feel good that we have this actual support and charity, that they help us with stuff so that way we don't go without until we can get on our feet again. We appreciate all of it, we really do. It's a blessing.”