Welcome to SouthSide Theme

Phil Newton Executive Director Rescue Mission work means a lot to Phil, as he came to know Jesus Christ as Savior at the rescue mission in Bloomington, IL on October 17, 1993. He has worked for two different missions and has over fifteen years experience working with the less fortunate. Phil holds a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Auburn University. Phil and his wife Jilleen have five children and reside in Peoria.

Craig Williams Assistant Executive Director, External Ministries Craig joined the South Side Mission in 2003 in the youth department. Now overseeing the Adopt-A-Block program, school ministry in four Peoria Public Schools, and two satellite offices, Craig really gets his energy from the people that he encounters. His wife, Darlina, daughter and two grandsons keep him happy and busy.

Frank Winfrey Assistant Executive Director, Main Office Ministries & Senior Pastor Joining South Side Mission in 1997, Pastor Frank's professional avocation has led him to missionary work from Africa to Peoria. Directing chapel services and assisting in counseling to our residents and the community, Frank and his wife Robin (she is our Director of Elderly Services) work together in the Mission's worship services. They are the proud parents of four children and make their home in Peoria.

Lisa Abel Director of King's Kids  Lisa has served in every room of King's Kids preschool and daycare, and now directs the staff and oversees the care of 40+ children in the ministry that provides quality childcare to the working poor.

Linda Butler Chaplain & Director of the New Promise Center Rev. Butler is a Peoria native and in 2003 came to the South Side Mission from a background including community relations and chaplaincy. A graduate of Bradley University and certified in Clinical Pastoral Education, she also serves as chaplain at the Mission. Pastor Linda is active in support services for breast cancer survivors, and she and her husband Henry attend Christian Family Center Church/World Wide Church of God, where she coordinates short term missions to the West Indies.

Pastor Butler was elected to the Peoria District 150 School Board in 2007 and blends her commitment to the Lord, service to the poor, and passion for the future of Peoria with ease.

Melody Church Associate Executive Director of Retail Services Never dreamed that sorting and hanging clothes would lead to this! Melody came to know Jesus Savior at the age of 7, but came to a more intimate knowledge of HIS saving grace during the 4 years her family spent in Mississippi. Most of her diverse 35 year career has been in sales and marketing. Gary, her very supportive husband of over 28 years live in Washington and attend Eureka Bible Church. Melody is blessed with 3 beautiful daughters (2 in Central Illinois and 1 in Eastern Asia) and 9 wonderfully energetic grandchildren and we are blessed to have her!

Steven Dunn Associate Executive Director of Benevolence Ministries Steve became a dedicated volunteer and servant at South Side Mission long ago, preparing Thanksgiving meals for over 10 years before joining the staff.  PRAISE THE LORD that he did!  Steve and his wife Kelly are enjoying their growing family.

Crystal Kyle Associate Executive Director, Finance Crystal joins the Mission from a professional background which includes accounting responsibilities in the public sector, not-for-profit and Christian community, as well as a faculty position at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Phoenix, AZ. She and her husband BJ make their home in Peoria and look forward to visits from their TWO college students.

Sheree Lyles Associate Executive Director, Youth Ministries Sheree grew up on the South side of Peoria, and is proud of the impact that the South Side Mission has had on her life: Sheree accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the Mission at age twelve. After volunteering here throughout high school and college, Sheree began an extensive career of service; first in nursing, then at The Children's Home. At the Lord's leading, Sheree rejoined the Mission in 2002. Sheree has two beautiful daughters and three handsome grandsons and makes her home in Peoria.

Larry McMillan Associate Executive Director, Church Relations The South Side Mission captured Larry’s heart through Adopt-A-Block, and he remains active in this ministry. Retiring as vice president of Kone Elevator Company after 46 years, Larry begins his second career in service to the Lord at South Side Mission. Serving as vice-president on his condominium association in addition to his Mission work keeps Larry busy! Larry and his wife recently celebrated 50 years of marriage and make their home in Peoria.

Paul Mulholland Director of Camp Kearney  Camp Kearney director Paul and his wife Melanie have been serving at South Side Mission since 2009, and have dedicated much of their life and marriage to youth ministry.  Loving kids to Christ at Camp Kearney and in the year 'round youth ministries of South Side Mission, Paul is a valuable team member!

Meg Newell, CFRE Associate Executive Director, Marketing & Development Joining the South Side Mission in 2006, Meg's background of marketing, advertising, and ministry make her work here a joy. She and her husband Dean worship at Bethel Lutheran Church with their two children. Meg's family makes their home in Morton.

Armosha Sturdivant Director of Discipleship  A Peoria native, Minister Sturdivant joined the ministries of South Side Mission in 2010 and oversees discipleship and the Hospitality Training School.  She is a graduate of Manual High School, Western Illinois University, and holds a Master of Business Administration from Colorado Technical University, where she is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Management Global Leadership. .

Steve Suttor Associate Executive Director, Facilities Before Steve joined the South Side Mission at God's direction in 2001; he served in many aspects of prison ministry and small business ownership. Here at South Side Mission, he has served in everything from Property Management to Ministry. Steve and his wife Jane are blessed with two adult daughters and make their home in the East Bluff.

Robin Winfrey, R.N. Director of Elderly Services Robin joined the staff of South Side Mission in 2008, but has been a part of the Mission's family for more than ten years. A Registered Nurse, Robin has the Spirit's gifts of compassion and mercy, making her the perfect fit for loving the Elderly on the South side. Mother of four, and wife to our Chaplain Frank Winfrey, she is a breath of fresh air to the Mission's Administrative team!