Several years ago God gave us a vision for some new ministry initiatives in West Chicago. In September 2008, the dream became a reality. That was when WBC and Iglesia del Pueblo embarked on a three-year ministry pilot program, Puente del Pueblo, based out of the Timber Lake Apartment Complex in West Chicago. We invite you to be part of this important ministry.
The success of this ministry, of our bridge building, depends upon volunteers, people who know God's grace, love and justice and are eager to share it.
Puente del Pueblo (PdP) literally means, "Bridge of the People" and it reflects our vision of people reaching out to people in the community. An outreach of Wheaton Bible Church and Iglesia del Pueblo, in partnership with Outreach Community Ministries, PdP aims to serve the residents of the Timber Lake Apartments of West Chicago. The goal is to build a strong sense of community by assisting people in making changes that benefit their personal, family and community lives. PdP does this through case management services for families and an after school program for children, Puente del Nino, at Wegner Elementary School.
Our after-school program serves nearly 50 first through sixth graders at Wegner School from 2:45–5:30 pm every day that school is in full session.
Helping students understand their homework.
Activities designed to improve reading, writing, math, and spelling.
Sports, art class, Christian education, and other activities provide opportunities to develop decision making skills, cooperate with others, choose positive behavior, and learn other life lessons.
During the summer months, Puente o ffers weekly summer programs, which have included: Baseball Camp, Soccer Camp, Water-Play Camp, Sleep-Away Camp (in Wisconsin), Club Puente, and Back-to-School Camp.
Contact: , After-school Coordinator, 630.876.6683
Our after-school program for Timber Lake residents in seventh to ninth grade. Held at our onsite facility in Timber Lake complex, the program goals are similar to Puente del Niño’s, with special attention to the needs of adolescents. Puente del Futuro is the next step in our long-term desire to “grow up” with the kids of Timber Lake and eventually to offer a college opportunity program.
Contact: , Youth After-School Coordinator, 630.876.6689
In their country of origin, many of our adult residents never had the opportunity to attend school, or learn to read and write. Puente o ers free classes (students pay only for books) to those interested in learning to read and write in Spanish. Classes meet once each week for 2½ hours. Basic math, and in some cases other primary subjects, are available as well.