 Contact
Phone: 630-723-3408
Email: sthurman@waysidecross.org
Ministry Philosophy
It is the philosophy of the Urban Youth Ministry to "sow seeds into the future", Matthew 13:3-8. In so doing we are committed to providing a safe and structured environment for children to learn and grow; while at the same time making disciples for Jesus Christ - Matthew 28:18-20. It is our intent to go out into the Aurora community and accomplish this goal with children and all whom God directs in our path.
 Overview
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 little league baseball, girls softball, golf camps, day camp programs and other sports camp...to school-year programs that include tutoring, reading programs, kids club, etc., 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.
LAST YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS
Academic Programs
- After school tutoring – 206 kids at 7 schools
- Lunchtime reading program – 58 kids at 2 schools
- After school Kids Club: 15 kids
Sports
- Aurora Neighborhood Baseball – 250 kids
- Pony league – 19 teens
- Girls softball – 15 girls
- Golf Camp: 15 elementary age kids
Kids Sense Day Camps
Community Outreach
- 70 needy families received clothing/household goods.
- 208 individuals received clothing/household goods.
- 662 kids; 25 adults received Christmas gifts.
- Refugee program: 79 kids from various countries.
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