March 2025 - Volume 37, Number 3 | Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only. (James 1.22)
UPS 'WARMING THE SOLES' CAMPAIGN BRINGS HOPE TO CITY'S HOMELESS.
UPS employees competed against each other to help collect 48,000 pairs of socks.
In a powerful demonstration of community service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy, UPS employees delivered over 48,000 pairs of new socks to Wayside Christian Mission through their annual "Warming the Soles" initiative.
The donation drive evolved into a friendly competition among UPS departments, particularly at Louisville’s Worldport - the global hub of UPS.
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"I can say that we're always ready to step up,” says David Fountain with UPS. “We are really just a reflection of the community. We come from all parts and we just enjoy being able to help meet the needs of the people.”
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"Socks are important for the homeless because they're on their feet so much of the day out in the elements,” explains Wayside’s Nina Moseley. “We know it's very important that they keep their feet dry and warm to prevent infections, to prevent frost bite, and to just help in their overall health.”
The variety of socks—thermal, diabetic, crew, and children's—ensures individuals’ comprehensive needs are met. Due to the abundance, Wayside plans to share many of the socks with other shelters and service agencies throughout Louisville.
Nina adds, “Over the past 5 years, UPS increased their collection of socks by over 300%. So it really shows how much UPS cares for the homeless and for those in our community that are less fortunate. These will warm the soles--and souls--of all of our homeless folks. We're so grateful!”
David Fountain (UPS) meets with Nina Moseley
on sock delivery day.
DIRECTOR'S CORNER:
Twice Blessed - Tara's Return to recovery
After her second graduation, Tara’s future will focus on helping others.
After a night on the streets, Tara walked into Wayside Christian Mission seeking a bus ticket home. Instead, she found redemption. "You need to get back in the program," Wayside’s Virginia Taylor told her—words that sparked Tara's six-month journey to sobriety and self-discovery.
This wasn't Tara's first time at Wayside. In 2010, she graduated from the program and enjoyed "the best two and a half years" of her life before relapsing. Now sober since August 7, 2024, Tara is days away from graduating again and serves others through her work at Hotel Louisville’s front desk.
The recovery program provides shelter, clothing, hygiene products, food, mental health support, life skills training, and a proven path to recovery. "Wayside has been a light in the darkness. It has been shelter in the rain, and it has been a life preserver when I thought I was drowning," Tara shares.
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​For Tara, spirituality remains the cornerstone of recovery: "On those nights you don't think you can make it, your sponsor doesn’t answer, and no one in the support group answers, He's always there. And He will give you the strength that you need to endure."
Donated Family Treasures Transform Lives at Wayside.
Tony Kay (left) plays the Takamine guitar that Chet Vertrees (right) donated to the Mission. The guitar belonged to Chet’s late father.
Chet’s donation also included a valuable Fender Vibrolux amplifier.
Family heirlooms can find new purpose and continue their legacy through donations to Wayside, as Chet Vertrees demonstrated with the amazing gift of his father's cherished Takamine guitar. "I just decided that it was time for it to get a good home," shared Chet Vertrees, whose father started playing guitar in 1955 and later performed with the Mountain Boys group. "This was just a great opportunity to give back to the community."
The donation, which included a vintage Fender Vibralux amplifier, will directly benefit residents who participate in Wayside's growing music program, including their choir and band.
Tony Kay, Wayside’s Maintenance Supervisor, is also a musician who helps with music activities at the Mission. He spoke of the critical need for such donations: "People that come here don't have instruments usually, so we have to rely on what we can get our hands on." By donating family items to Wayside, community members provide much-needed resources, PLUS inspiration and opportunities for those rebuilding their lives through the Mission's programs.
HAVE A FAMILY TREASURE TO DONATE? Text or Call TRACY: 502-345-0081
Valentine’s Day at Wayside was a celebration of fun!
Valentine’s Day at the Mission included a delicious brunch, fun with balloons, craft making with
Youth With A Mission, and much more!
It started in the morning with a special breakfast for clients and their kids. That was followed by a group of medical professionals from Baptist Health who treated everyone to delicious ice cream with all the fixings!
After an afternoon break, the evening activities kicked off with fun music and several tables loaded with toys and clothing for clients to choose from.
Baptist Health nurses and nursing students brought a full ice cream social for our clients with all the best toppings!
Next, a group from Youth With A Mission (YWAM) created Valentine’s crafts with the kids and their parents.
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And the evening concluded with popcorn, treats, and the popular animated movie, Minions. It was a memorable way for our homeless clients to celebrate a day of fun and love!
JCTC students share ‘craft’ healing opportunities.
JCTC’s Occupational Therapy students helped clients create Valentine’s cards & vision boards.
Clients enjoyed crafting and
self-discovery.
Wayside’s special partnership with JCTC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program recently brought new healing opportunities to our clients. Students Isabelle and Chandler helped clients create cool therapeutic crafts like Valentine's cards and vision boards. Participants found joy, and enjoyed a break from the challenges of recovery. The sessions also fostered connection and self-discovery. Thank you JCTC OTA!
Rebuilding Lives:
Wayside's Veteran Support Program Featured on
USA CARES Podcast.
Jacob Ragains, VA Case Manager with Wayside Christian Mission, recently highlighted the organization's veteran support initiatives on the USA CARES podcast. Wayside’s VA Program provides transitional housing for homeless veterans with the goal of permanent housing placement. Ragains emphasized Wayside's strong partnership with USA CARES in helping veterans secure employment. "USA CARES sets veterans up for success—providing boots, hard hats, tools, bus passes, or scrubs," he explained.
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What distinguishes Wayside is its family-friendly approach, offering private rooms for families and welcoming pets. Ragains shared success stories, including a veteran who received interview support from USA CARES and has since earned two promotions.
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Veterans seeking assistance can call 877-424-3838 to determine eligibility.
For inquiries about Wayside, call Kris, our VA Program Manager: 502-345-9030.
To hear the podcast, visit: https://bit.ly/4gRm2j3
‘DOE GOOD’ DOES GOOD
FOR OUR CLIENTS.
An employee group from Doe-Anderson Advertising called, ‘Doe Good,’ donated a large amount of much-needed diapers, toilet paper, and tissues to the Mission.
