Lifespring Ministry is Wayside's long term transitional living program* for homeless women and women with children, who have lost their housing due to addiction, abuse or financial reasons. This safe, loving "family" environment has the capacity to house up to 57 women and children and provides a six-month program* teaching families the necessary skills to live independently.

Women are encouraged to face their problems, plan for their future, and work toward self-sufficiency. We minister to the whole person through Bible studies, professional Christian counseling, classes in parenting, finances, cooking/nutrition, GED tutoring and computer skills.

 

To support this ministry, click the red “Donate Now” button and designate Lifespring Ministry.

(*Services are free to clients without income.)

 

 

 

LAST YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS

Residential Program

• 52 women and 43 children were served, a total of 31 families and 35 women without children.
• 34 women received professional counseling.
• 16 women graduated from the program.

Education

• 16 women experienced remarkable improvement in their communication skills.
• 19 of the 22 moms in the program greatly improved their parenting skills.
• 16 of the 20 women in Phase III obtained jobs.

Spiritual Life

• 20 women and children made a profession of faith or rededicated their life to Christ.
• Over 615 practical living skills classes and Bible courses were offered to the residents.

Volunteers

• 72 volunteers served on a regular basis as tutors, mentors, and teachers.
• 245 volunteers assisted with special events and work projects.

Linda's Story

In early spring, Linda's pastor in Jacksonville, Florida, feared for her life in an abusive marriage. He made arrangements to send her to Lifespring where a family member of his serves on Wayside's Board. Linda arrived...battered and frightened. However, she was able to see God's hand upon her and this pathway to a better life.

In the loving and safe environment of Lifespring, Linda adjusted to the many changes and challenges of living with rules and a schedule...along with lots of women and children! Although she missed her friends and family in Florida, Linda flourished making new friends and discovered new meaning and purpose in her life.

Linda has touched many people...the residents, staff and volunteers at Lifespring, as well as people she works and attends church with. What a beautiful day it was when nearly 60 guests attended her graduation – including her mother, grandmother and sister-in-law who drove up from Florida. All felt privileged to witness the transformation in Linda's life and see what God has done!

Linda currently works as an Office Manager in Batavia, attends the Vineyard Church in Aurora and has an apartment at Lifespring where she is a Resident Assistant (RA).

Lifespring Newsletter January 2015

Lifespring Brochure

For more information or to register for the Auction
go to our events page

Volunteering

To volunteer, email Faith at lscvolunteer@waysidecross.org

Volunteers play an important part at Lifespring. They teach practical skills classes, lead Bible studies, become an “adopt-a-friend”, help with office work, organize social activities for our families, provide leadership for fundraising events – the opportunities are limitless!

Opportunities needed the most:

• Vinegar – large containers – we use for cleaning
• Disposable Cleaning Gloves
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Towels – bath and hand
• Washcloths
• Reading glasses – all strengths
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper – 1 ply please
• Storage baggies – sandwich, quart and gallon sizes
• Kitchen foil
• Dish rags and towels
• Silverware, especially forks
• Plastic drinking cups (tumblers)
• Scrubbing pad for pots/pans
• Night lights – plug-in type
• Small Dixie paper cups
• Walmart gift cards – any denomination. Great for last minute needs that arise.

Interested in getting your church, civic group or friends involved?

Monthly Volunteer Orientation Sessions are held at Lifespring and are designed to help those interested in volunteering. To find out when the next Session will be held, email Faith at lscvolunteer@waysidecross.org AND...if you or your group would like to attend a "Coffee" at Lifespring where you can learn more about the ministry and take a tour, give Lynda a call at
(630) 952-1104 to set up a convenient time.

• Click HERE to apply online
• Click HERE to download a"Volunteer Interest Sheet" to complete and mail in!
• Click HERE to download a"Volunteer Application" to complete and mail in!
• Click HERE to download a list of"Current Needs" for Lifespring.

To support this ministry, click the red “Donate Now” button and designate Lifespring Ministry.

Lifespring Center is located at 517 College Avenue – Aurora, Illinois 60505 (630) 851-0187

For information on volunteering email Faith at lscvolunteer@waysidecross.org

To schedule a “Coffee”, information on scheduling a coffee or make a donation, contact:

Lynda Dorsch, Director
Phone: 630-952-1104
Email: ldorsch@waysidecross.org

For information about entering the Lifespring program, call or email:

Marquerite Blitch, Case Manager, blitch@waysidecross.org

Phone: 630-851-0187