Wayside's Urban Youth Ministry (UYM) is a Christian ministry, dedicated since 1989, to empowering "at-risk" inner city youth, between the ages of 6 and 10, to reach their full God-given potential through discipleship focused educational, recreational, athletic, and other spiritual programs. Partnering with neighborhood churches, schools, community organizations and groups, UYM provides activities that offer alternatives to gangs and other negative elements that occur when "hanging out on the streets."

From summer-time activities such as Aurora Neighborhood Baseball League little league baseball and training clinics, day camp programs, field trips and day outings...to school-year programs that include after school tutoring and homework assistance and after school meals for children of low-income families. UYM reaches Aurora's urban youth both academically and spiritually.

UYM also reaches out to at-risk youth by sharing the love of Jesus Christ via Christmas toy drives and Easter gift basket giveaways.

To support this Ministry, click the red “Donate Now” button and designate Urban Youth Ministries.

Working with community partners, our after-school programs help children with homework, provide academic enrichment, extra curricular activities, and are also able to instill Christian values. With the aid of community partners, UYM is able to provide transportation for students who work in or participate in after-school programs around Aurora. UYM programs include:

LAST YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS

Academic Programs

• 4,095 hours of after school tutoring and homework assistance
• 5,695 after school meals served to children of low-income families

Sports

• ANBL – Free baseball leagues and training clinics provided to 165 youths

Kids Day Camps

• 4,760 hours of free summer camp experiences provided

Distributions

• Coats for Kids - Over 150 new coats provided for children
• Holiday Toys - 165 Christmas gifts distributed to low-income families
• Easter Baskets - Shared with 78 families

Volunteers

• 123 total volunteers involved in our youth programs
• Approximately 1000+ volunteer hours

Emilio's Story

Emilio started playing baseball in UYM's Aurora Neighborhood Baseball League (ANBL) six years ago. He continued on, past little league to Pony League. While playing, Emilio developed a love for the game and learned valuable lessons from ANBL coach/mentors. Emilio reflects on his experiences in the ANBL, saying:

"The baseball program means a lot to me, because if I was not involved in it, I wouldn't be where I am right now...playing baseball and learning so many lessons from my coaches."While playing in the ANBL, Emilio learned valuable lessons about the game and life from his coaches and mentors. With regard to one ANBL coach ("Coach Don"), Emilio exclaimed: "I will never forget that man ever...He used to tell us to play baseball with heart, pride, and with our minds. He would tell us to never quit on ourselves or our team. He basically taught me the real meaning of baseball."

Emilio continues to pursue his love for baseball while playing on the Varsity baseball team at East Aurora High School. There, Emilio participates in sports, clubs, and volunteer activities in addition to volunteering in UYM’s after school reading mentoring program. Emilio does all of this while going to school full time and maintaining a part-time job on the weekends. We are excited for Emilio and proud that he continues on the path that he chose so many years go.

Emilio continues to learn and grow, while envisioning bright things for his future. When asked, Emilio stated that his plans for the future are: "to finish on the top 5% of my senior class and go to college to either be an architect or doctor."

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Jaime and Sennetria's Story

"Living in a neighborhood plagued with gangs, drugs and violent crime...Urban Youth Ministry's programs gave us an alternative to being on the streets and kept us out of trouble. Meeting with our mentors and visiting their homes gave us a view of "another" kind of life. Jaime stated, "I saw where we came from, then went to my mentor’s home and saw a different side of things...her husband was always there."

Jaime (left) and her sister Sennetria (right) are two shining examples of how God is using Urban Youth Ministry (UYM) in the lives of at-risk youth attending our programs. Their story began over ten years ago at UYM's Kids Club where they were "regulars". Interacting with positive role models and participating in enriching activities contributed to their growth - both academically and spiritually. Additionally, each was paired with a volunteer mentor who encouraged and enforced principles they learned at UYM's Kids Club.

Understanding the importance of education, both girls remained in school - graduating from high school and then on to college. Jaime earned a BA in Economics, and received her MBA from Northern Illinois University. Sennetria recently received a BA in Business from Aurora University.

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Coach Cruise PDF

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Alex Nelson PDF

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Amanda and Ladesha link is broken

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Summer 2014 Appeal Letter

Spring 2013 Newsletter

Spring 2012 Newsletter

Fall 2012 Newsletter

2011 Praise Letter

 

 

To volunteer, contact Robin Sterkel at 630-723-3418
or Rebecca Monrean at 630-723-3421.

Robin Sterkel, Coordinator

Phone: 630-723-3418

Email: rsterkel@waysidecross.org

Rebecca Monrean, Coordinator

Phone: 630-723-3421

Email: rmonrean@waysidecross.org