Wayside Cross Ministries

08/31/2026

God gives each of us unique gifts and talents, and creativity is one of them! 🎨

Wayside operates two mission-centered thrift stores - Hope Chest and Sweet Charity. Far from being basic retail spaces where customers sift through bargain bins, these stores offer beautiful, welcoming environments for customers to enjoy, thanks to the creative talents of store manager Rose Sommerville and her team.

These gifted individuals work hard to offer people a pleasant shopping experience through customized displays, curated music, 🎶 and carefully selected merchandise.

Stop by Hope Chest or Sweet Charity and see what makes these stores more than your average thrift store. ⭐️ You can learn about the mission behind our stores at waysidecross.org/thrift-stores.

08/28/2026

Valentino and Juliana are two of the beautiful children at Lifespring.

Valentino (Tino) is in fourth grade, loves bike riding, and hopes to become a police officer one day.👮‍♂️Juliana is in third grade, enjoys roller skating, and has an eye for fashion and jewelry.👗 Their smiles and playful personalities bring joy to the Lifespring community!

In need of housing, their mom Jennifer arrived with the children in January. Lifespring has provided the stable home their family needed, along with a community of love and support where they can grow in Christ. Jennifer is doing great and is on track to graduate at her one year mark!

Jennifer, Tino and Juliana are just three of the many lives being impacted through the ministry of Lifespring. At the upcoming Lifespring Banquet, you’ll have the opportunity to hear more stories of hope and transformation like theirs.

📣 Join us September 17 at the Embassy Suites in Naperville. Doors open at 5:15pm, and there is no cost to attend for registered guests: waysidecross.org/lifespring-dinner-2026 📣

08/25/2026

Sixty-five years. Countless stories. One faithful God.

On September 17, we are getting ready to celebrate over six decades of God’s faithfulness in ministering to the women and children of Lifespring.🌟

We invite you to join us for this special evening. For more details and to register, visit waysidecross.org/lifespring-dinner-2026.

08/25/2026

Tonight, your best gift can Transform hundreds of lives through our Urban Youth Ministry fundraising dinner. Sponsor a Child!

Dream Big. Reach. Achieve.

Join us for dinner and an evening in support of after-school programs for at risk youth in Aurora IL. April 20, 2023 | Get Details.

08/24/2026

Two of the ladies that make things tick at Wayside are Robin Sterkel (left) and Celia Kallas.

Robin is our Urban Youth Ministries Manager who executes programming and works directly with the kids - teaching, guiding, and loving them. She is the daily hands-on presence for our after-school and summer camp programs.

Celia is our Lifespring Director who oversees the care and safety of women and children as they rebuild their lives. She guides admissions, programming, and volunteers while directing the many moving pieces that make Lifespring a safe place to heal and grow.

While the individuals they minister to may be different, both of these women have the same mission: to share the love of Christ with those in need. And they do it so well. 💛

We are grateful for the ways they faithfully serve those God has entrusted to them!

08/20/2026

If you’ve been around Wayside for any length of time, then you know Clyde Branch. Clyde came to Wayside as a resident years ago, successfully graduating and moving on to become resident staff, overseeing our maintenance team.

His work ethic, willing attitude, and good-natured spirit are loved by staff, residents, and volunteers alike.

A recent youth group of volunteers was under his direction as they completed outdoor tasks. This video is a snapshot of a moment he had with them as they wrapped up their time.

“Keep your attitude at an all time high and your attitude at an all-time low.” ➡️ Words for ANY age to live by. 🙂

08/17/2026

As if you needed a reason...

Check out our Sweet Charity Resale Shop and help make a difference today. All sales support the six ministries of Wayside Cross! 🙏

🍂 Fall Colors are on Full Display at Sweet Charity!
Discover beautiful clothing, jewelry, accessories, home décor and one-of-a-kind finds—all at resale prices and all for a greater purpose.
100% of purchases benefit men, women and children in recovery at Wayside Cross Ministries.
Come see what's new. With resale, you never know what you'll find!
📍 Sweet Charity Resale Store
3450 Montgomery Rd., Ste. 11, Aurora
📞 (630) 820-0447
Great finds. Greater purpose.

Don't forget to tell your friends!

08/15/2026

Pure joy. That is what fills the human heart when someone gets a chance to invest in a child’s life. And that opportunity is coming on August 25 with Urban Youth Ministry’s annual banquet!

We invite you to join us as we share stories of life change, reveal the exciting update about UYM’s next chapter, and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Kids like Ivrie, pictured above, need your support! TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER. We hope you join us:

🗓️ Date: August 25
🕒 Time: Doors Open at 6 pm; Dinner at 6:30pm
📍 Location: Chicago Marriott - Naperville, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville
🎟️ Cost / RSVP: Event is free (goodwill offering received), but we ask that you RSVP at waysidecross.org/2026-uym-fundraising-dinner

08/14/2026

Meet Josh.🤝

Josh is a resident staff member at Elgin Wayside Center, where he helps oversee the maintenance needs of the facility. But his passion and creativity go far beyond maintenance.

Recently, Josh worked alongside fellow EWC residents to build a planter box where they can grow fresh vegetables. Not only did the project create something useful, but it also gave other residents the opportunity to learn from Josh and develop new skills.

And Josh isn’t stopping there!🌼🥕He plans to build more planter boxes for vegetables, along with flower boxes to brighten the front entrance of Elgin Wayside Center.

When asked why he wanted to work on projects like this, Josh simply said: “Wherever God sends me, that’s where I want to go.”

We’re grateful for the skills, heart, and servant attitude Josh brings to EWC.