Outreach Updates & Stories
2018 College Tour
High school students from Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream (OCC) and Puente del Pueblo (PdP) in West Chicago spent their spring break visiting colleges on the annual college tour, as part of the College
WYFS Volunteer Appreciation Event
The annual WYFS Volunteer Appreciation Event was held on Monday, April 16 at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Warrenville. Warrenville Youth & Family Services and Discoveries Resale Store & Furniture Annex staff honored the volunteers by
OCC Spring Dinner
The 2018 OCC Spring Dinner, benefiting Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream, was held on Friday, April 13 at the Embassy Suites in Naperville. This meaningful annual event was marked by the testimony of keynote speaker
OCC Villagebrook Hosts Easter Egg Hunt
On the cold, blustery Saturday of March 24th, 50 parents and children ventured outdoors to participate in the annual OCC-Villagebrook Egg Hunt. Almost 1000 brightly colored eggs were hidden around the Outreach classroom and
Going Beyond the Call
WYFS counselors are joining forces with the Warrenville Fire Protection Unit to treat mental health issues in crisis situations, and to help firefighters deal with traumatic events.
OCC Villagebrook Students Serve Parents and Families
As the culmination of their cooking classes, Outreach-Villagebrook students prepared and served dinner to their parents and families, an impressive feat performed under the instruction of Ms. Linda, the University of Illinois Extension Educator. Showing
Supporting the College Tour
A former OCC staff member continues supporting the annual college tour by donating towards it and motivating students to raise money for the trip at the same time.
Link Mentoring Learns Woodworking
A Warrenville Youth & Family Services (WYFS) Link mentor was recently able to share one of his hobbies with mentors and mentees.
Volunteer Group at OCC-Villagebrook
Thanks to Wheaton Bible Church volunteers for getting their hands dirty and serving at OCC-Villagebrook's after-school program.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Speaks to OCC Students
High school students from the Student Achievement Leadership Team (SALT) program at OCC were recently treated to a visit by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert Thomas. Judge Thomas spoke to the students about his life and career.
More Than a Meal
A Jubilee Village resident recently expressed her gratitude to staff and fellow residents by preparing a feast for the entire group.
Quest Youth Visit Convalescent Center
Quest program youth from Warrenville Youth & Family Services are taking the initiative to reach out to older adults during the cold winter months.
York Youth Program Update
Youth programs at York Community Resource Center are thriving; read how they're making a difference in students, families and the community.
CEO Chris Ellerman Celebrates 40 Years at Outreach
Under Chris's leadership as CEO, Outreach has become a substantial organization sponsoring five faith-based community service organizations in collaboration with over 25 partner churches, serving the most vulnerable residents in DuPage County.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2018
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Celebration featured an inspiring message from Moody Bible Institute Radio Host Roy Patterson, a performance by OCC's children's choir, update on OCC's College Opportunity Program and more.
SSP Middle School Students Serve the Community
Middle school students in the Superb Student Program (SSP) at OCC have been organizing service opportunities including volunteering at a Pads homeless site and DuPage County Animal Shelter.
Link Mentoring Career Fair
Thanks to volunteers from the Warrenville community, WYFS Link mentoring students caught a glimpse of multiple career paths and workplaces.
OCM Announces Grant Application for Warrenville
In order to better serve the Warrenville community, Outreach Community Ministries announces our intent to submit an application for a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant to complement our current after school and family programs.
LINK Mentoring Gives and Receives
St. Irene Ladies of Columbus Auxiliary made Christmas special for local youth by donating gifts to Warrenville Youth & Family Services LINK mentoring students.
Local 7-Year-Old Seeks Donations In Lieu of Birthday Presents
Seven-year-old Gray Taylor is spreading Christmas cheer to vulnerable kids this holiday season, as she donates 59 books to the Books for Birthdays ministry.
Serving and Celebrating at Quest
The WYFS Quest Program applied service learning by giving back to a local food pantry this Christmas season; students were reminded of the true meaning of Christmas at the annual Quest Christmas Party at Grace Church of DuPage.
Older Adults Christmas Party 2017
Thanks to First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton and more than 40 volunteers for giving Older Adults Program participants a Christmas to remember.
Christmas Store 2017
The annual Christmas Store, which allows qualifying families to select gifts and purchase them at an affordable price, was a great success thanks to volunteers and those who donated!
Warrenville Salon Donates Spa Day to WYFS Girls
Thank you to Heidi's Salon in Warrenville for donating a spa day to WYFS girls, which treated the group to a day of pampering and included lessons on cosmetology and business ownership.
Jalena’s Story
A young mother finds more than just stable housing, community and wise counsel in Outreach's transitional housing program—she experiences a Jubilee: a chance to start over.
OCC-Villagebrook Teen Council Serves Elementary Students
OCC-Villagebrook Teen Council took the initiative to serve elementary students in October, including planning and preparing a Halloween party with games and nutritious snacks.
Mentoring Program Visits COD
Mentor matches from the Warrenville Youth & Family Services (WYFS) Link mentoring program recently explored opportunities at a local college.
Fall Fun at the Superb Student Program
The Superb Student Program, the junior high program at Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream, celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a party and pinatas.
Giving Back at OCC-Villagebrook
Inspired by their experience growing up at OCC-Villagebrook and passionate about working with kids, a pair of college students volunteer at their old stomping grounds.
Gaining Independence: Claire’s* Story
How a homeless, jobless young woman found stable housing, employment, and support through Outreach's transitional housing program and Employment Opportunity Center.
Annual Outreach Events
OCC Spring Dinner
The 2018 OCC Spring Dinner, benefiting Outreach Community Center in Carol Stream, was held on Friday, April 13 at the Embassy Suites in Naperville. This meaningful annual event was marked by the testimony of keynote speaker
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2018
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Celebration featured an inspiring message from Moody Bible Institute Radio Host Roy Patterson, a performance by OCC's children's choir, update on OCC's College Opportunity Program and more.
2017 Hearts of Grace Women’s Luncheon
Thank you to everyone who attended the Hearts of Grace Women's Luncheon! Your support allows Outreach Community Ministries to continue to work in the lives of at-risk women and children in our community. Listen to
Christmas Breakfasts
Christmas Breakfasts, held over a series of Saturdays in December, are open to Outreach's Partners and Leadership Partners. Hear ministry highlights and inspiring ministry plans from CEO Chris Ellerman.
Warrenville Youth & Family Services Fall Dinner
The annual Fall Dinner supports Warrenville Youth & Family Services.
Christmas Store
The Christmas Store is a special one-day event held each December. Qualifying families can affordably shop for Christmas gifts for their children - at a savings of 75% off retail price.