June 2025 - Volume 37, Number 5 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)

GOD BLESS OUR MOMS!

Ardi Wilson (left) brought her amazing bears to moms on Mother’s Day.

On Mother's Day, Wayside threw a party for the incredible moms in our community! Mothers enjoyed delicious food while listening to the rich sounds of the VT Revue Band (a Mission band).

Every woman left with beautiful purses packed with cosmetics, jewelry, books, and treasures – all donated by our generous community members. And, thanks to Ardi's Bears, moms and kids also picked out teddy bears to take home.

We believe it’s imperative to celebrate moms because these women are heroes building better lives for their families. We pray God’s blessings on each of these moms.

Happy Bear Mom.

Women were treated to a large selection of great purses and fun teddy bears.

None of this magic happens without YOUR donations.

Thank you for making these precious moments possible!

DIRECTOR'S CORNER: HELPING END
A VETERAN’S COUCHSURFING

Tracy doesn’t have to couchsurf anymore.

Tracy, a 54-year-old Army Reserve veteran and medical specialist, never imagined she'd find herself homeless. After using her GI Bill to earn a psychology degree, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed her nursing school plans and sent her life spiraling. A divorce, job loss, personal tragedies, and alcohol misuse left this accomplished veteran couchsurfing (moving from couch to couch) with family and friends for nearly a year. "I was going from sofa to sofa," Tracy recalls. And the instability was wearing on everyone involved.

When a friend reminded Tracy about veteran benefits she hadn't explored, everything changed. The VA connected her to Wayside Christian Mission and Hotel Louisville, where she's been rebuilding her life for the past month. "The biggest advantage is I have somewhere to come back to. I don't have to guess where I'm going to be this week," Tracy explains.

But Wayside's support extends far beyond housing. Tracy now receives 3 daily meals,

transportation to appointments, and comprehensive employment assistance through multiple

programs including USA Cares, vocational rehabilitation services, and the Kentucky Career Center.

Tracy believes many veterans are experiencing similar struggles. "There's help out there. Don't be ashamed to ask for it. You deserve it," she urges fellow veterans. With Wayside's services supporting her, Tracy is optimistic about achieving her goal of complete independence by year's end.

If you’re a veteran, find out if Wayside can help you. Call/text Kris at 502-656-2541.

Wayside holds Memorial Day Luncheon for our Veterans

Veterans listened to Jerry Green while they enjoyed a special lunch on Memorial Day.

Wayside held a special luncheon with our Veterans to honor Memorial Day. The event included live music, plus a spaghetti buffet, and a raffle. Louisville favorite, Jerry Green, made a guest appearance and performed with Wayside staffers Tony, Patrick, and Jacob. It was a nice way to pay their fallen brothers and sisters homage.

UPS Worldport Managers Lead By Example with Volunteer Work

After their quarterly meeting, UPS Worldport managers joined a few Wayside staff members for a group photo.

UPS executives showed off their cleaning prowess in the Hotel kitchen!

When UPS Worldport managers gathered at Hotel Louisville's Grand Ballroom for their quarterly meeting, they brought more than business plans—they brought heart.

Their meeting fees directly support Wayside Christian Mission's vital work. But these leaders didn't stop there. They volunteered at the Hotel.

Rolling up their sleeves, the managers stayed behind, cleaning the Hotel's main kitchen with busy hands and giving hearts. THANK YOU, UPS!

Ready to hold your company’s next meeting at Hotel Louisville? Call Kris at 502-656-2541.

Cloyd's Cumberland Presbyterian Church served

dinner to our folks at Wayside Christian Mission.

Clients are enjoying Bingo at the Shelter. Game winners get to choose from a table of useful items.

Answer Christ's call to "love thy neighbor."

This summer, Louisville churches can strengthen their congregations by serving those most in need. When church members volunteer at Wayside Christian Mission, they don't just help the homeless—they help themselves.

Volunteering creates deeper fellowship as

members work side-by-side, building

relationships that extend beyond Sunday services.

Wayside has many different jobs for volunteers. People can serve meals, hold Bible Studies, train clients for jobs, and a host of other opportunities. There's something for everyone to do, no matter what time they have free.

Church volunteers have many ways to help!

Most importantly, serving Louisville's most vulnerable population helps congregations answer Christ's call to "love thy neighbor." This summer, help transform your church community through service.

Find out more by calling or texting our Volunteer
Coordinator, Tracy Corby at 502-345-0081.