June 2026 - Volume 38, Number 5 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)
GOD BLESSES OUR MOMS — THROUGH YOU!
Moms chose a new purse from a large selection, each loaded with treasures.
On Mother's Day, Wayside threw a beautiful celebration for the incredible moms in our community! Women and their kids enjoyed a delicious meal, plus mom stories and appreciation from Nina Moseley.
Every mom left with a gorgeous purse stuffed with jewelry, hygiene items, and other special treasures — many of them designer bags, all donated by generous community members and local groups. Moms also picked out cuddly teddy bears from Ardi’s Bears to take home.
These women are heroes. They are working hard and building better lives for their families, and they deserve to feel loved and celebrated. We believe God calls us to honor them. And because of YOUR faithful donations, we can answer that call.
Every mom also left with the cuddly teddy bear of their choice.
Kids got to choose goodies from Nina’s Toy Wagon.
Thank you for making these precious moments possible!
DIRECTOR’S CORNER: New Doors Open for Wayside Women — Safe, Structured, and Moving Forward!
Renee enjoys the new floor.
Renee enjoys the new floor.
A safe space designed for women with everything needed for the journey home.
Wayside is excited to announce the opening of the expanded women's shelter on the 1st floor of our Pavilion.
Make no mistake: this shelter is about more than a bed. Program manager Jeremiah explains it best: "This is not just somewhere for somebody to go. It's about getting them back out into the real world. That's the whole point." Women in the program follow a structured daily routine, attend weekly case management meetings, participate in life skills classes, and receive weekly therapy. The goal is always the same: to share God’s Love while securing permanent, independent housing.
Made possible through reconstruction funding, foundation grants, and individual donor gifts,
the new space features 45 beds, updated showers and restrooms (with a handicap-accessible
bathroom/shower), plus a large multipurpose room with a TV, computers for job searching,
and dedicated space for meeting with case managers, therapists, and Bible study groups.
The new shelter is designed exclusively for single women. It is nicer and more structured than ever before. Renee, who has been a resident for one week, put it simply: "It's quiet down here. It's comfortable."
She had already completed every required step before moving here and is just 3 months away from her own apartment. And she shared her excitement, "I already went to the Dollar General and bought all my
clean stuff for my apartment, shower curtains and everything. It's all stored and ready."
Thank you ATA nurses for helping us understand our health factors.
Fleur's Dream brought all sorts of wonderful things to our clients.
Teresa and Katie made Derby hats and other crafts with our kids.
God Opens Doors on a Soldier's Long Road Home
From foster care to the Army to Wayside to God — Charles is finally finding his way home.
Charles is 6'5" of quiet strength. But life has not been easy for this Army veteran. He grew up in the state's custody from age 8 to 18 — moving through group homes and foster families across Kentucky. "The state of Kentucky was my parent," he says with a gentle laugh. Despite the odds, he graduated high school and joined the Army.
After an injury ended his military service, Charles lost his way. Drugs. Trouble. No real direction. Then his daughter Samara was born — and everything changed. "It wasn't about me anymore," he says. "It was about her."
When a painful home situation became unsafe, Charles reached out for help.
A VA representative connected him with Wayside's Veterans Program.
Case managers Kris and Jeremiah have walked alongside him every step of the way.
Charles just landed a job at Ford. He is working toward his own place — for the very first time in his life. "God has been opening doors I never thought possible," he says.
Charles's message to other veterans is simple: "You don't have to be out there on your own. There is a place. There is help. Ask for it."
The Wise Men joined us at the shelter to help clean.
Bingo night honored ‘Dewboyz,’ who left us for the Rainbow Bridge.
Some of the Shelter women got to savor the latest tea party.
HERE’S A SPECIAL WAY
YOUR CHURCH CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS SUMMER!
Summer is here — and Wayside needs YOUR church family! Every year, warm weather brings more families, children, and individuals through our doors. That means more meals to serve, more hearts to encourage, and more hands needed to make it all happen. This is where YOUR congregation comes in.
Church volunteers are the backbone of what we do — and the need is greatest during the summer months.
Just a few ways your group can serve:
• Play with our kids — Spend time with our children through games, activities, and simple one-on-one attention. For many of these kids, a caring adult makes all the difference.
• Bring your creativity! Arts and crafts give children and families a chance to laugh, create, and feel joy.
• Fix and serve meals — Help prepare and serve hot, nourishing food to families who need it most.
• Landscaping and property clean-up — Got a youth group or work crew?
Help us keep our spaces clean, safe, and welcoming for the families we serve.
• Share your talents — Music, tutoring, hair care, gardening, painting —
if your congregation has a special skill, we want to hear about it!
Volunteering at Wayside is more than a service project. It is a chance to live out your faith
in a real and powerful way — to be the hands and feet of Jesus right here in Louisville.
Ready to serve? Call/Text Tracy at 502-345-0081 to schedule your group today!
If your out-of-town church group is coming to Louisville to help our city’s homeless, we may be able to provide free or low-cost housing at
Hotel Louisville. Call/Text Tracy at 502-345-0081.
