"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ~ Romans 8:1."

Elton's Story

Elton grew up on the South side of Chicago, the youngest of nine children. He loved music; singing, playing the drums and the keyboard. Like many kids, he admired and wanted to be just like his older brothers. Unfortunately, this led him to drinking and using drugs at a very early age.

Following high school, Elton joined the Navy in 1980 and worked as a Communications Specialist. Only months away from completing his four-year term, after failing a drug test, he was dismissed with an "other than honorable" discharge. The humiliation from this experience, Elton recalls, was the realization that he "might have a problem."

After the Navy, Elton returned to Chicago and his old acquaintances who now had advanced to harder drugs. For the next five years, his life was a struggle...he couldn't hold a job and even spent time in jail due to the drugs. He made some attempts at treatment; however they were more about "taking a break" rather than "changing his lifestyle."

In 1993, after burning all his bridges he found himself homeless for about a year. Determined to stop the drugs, Elton went into treatment and while there, met his wife. Unfortunately, marriage brought along more struggles — and after nine years, they were divorced. Numbing his pain, Elton returned to his old lifestyle once again.

In desperation, Elton turned to his pastor who referred him to Wayside's Master's Touch Program; and on March 2, 2007 - his birthday - he came through the doors ready to "let go and let God."

Through the Bible-based, Christ-centered teaching of Master's Touch, involvement at Progressive Baptist Church (a Covenant Church Partner), several mentor relationships (at church, at Wayside, at work), and many accountability brothers - Elton has learned how to do life a new way!

Elton graduated from Master's Touch in September, 2007. At that point in time, he, entered the Master's Touch Jobs for Life™ Program. Not knowing what to expect, and being very concerned that his criminal record would hinder any employment opportunities, he hung in the Program by remembering the words of Wayside Board member and long-time Master's Touch Phase II Bible class instructor, Craig Phillips: "never, never, never...go on a guilt trip." Soon thereafter, hope was restored, and just prior to graduating from the Jobs for Life™ program in December, Elton was offered a job!

Today, Elton works in Batavia at CAE Services as Product Manager in Sales. Being a "people person," this is a perfect fit, and he looks forward to going to work every day! He's also looking forward to soon financially supporting Wayside - to give back and help others. He resides at The Horizon …Wayside's transitional housing...along with other Master's Touch graduates, and is actively involved at Progressive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Roy R. Brown, serving on the praise team.

Elton has someone "special" he met at church. She is great encouragement and his best friend. He has learned new ways to deal with life's inevitable struggles. With the tremendous support from mentors and friends...with Christ to turn to…and with Craig Phillips' reminder..."much prayer, much power...little prayer, little power...no prayer, no power," his future is bright!