Breakthrough Urban Ministries Newsletter -


June 2003

leader brief

Inside-Out Transformation

Arloa Sutter

While Breakthrough tries to help homeless participants get jobs and housing, we recognize that there is an element of life-change that goes beyond those things. We want to see lives radically transformed from the inside out. We believe inner transformation involves:

The acceptance of a new identity.
When individuals experience this kind of change they stop expressing guilt and begin affirming their understanding and acceptance of forgiveness. There is a sweeping change in one's perception of self and the world.
The practice of a new integrity.
Instead of hiding shameful behaviors people begin to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. They are able to verbalize what is right and wrong and do right no matter how they feel.
Incorporating new hope.
Individuals begin to find their role in the community and in the world at large. They recognize that their lives do not have to remain the same and begin to express hope for a brighter future.
A desire to introduce others to new life.
People start to "carry the message" and encourage others. Their enthusiasm and example begins to spread new life in others.

Transforming people and communities from the inside out is the core of Breakthrough's mission. We continue to rejoice with people who get jobs and housing. At the same time, we pray for, expect, and look for signs of inner renewal and new life in Christ.

partner with us

Food Drive 2003

Staff person, Sharron Baskins, prepares a hot breakfast for homeless women at the Joshua Center.

Enter to win prizes, now through June 30!

By helping us meet our goal of $25,000, you will make a difference in the lives of many men, women, and children. Breakthrough's food service program is a vital part of our ministry. With your help, we provide people with nourishment as they work toward rebuilding their lives.

There are three ways to help:

Give a financial gift.
Donate food.
Participate in the annual Hunger Walk.

Contribute to be entered in the prize drawing!

Two round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines
Baseball tickets - Cubs vs Cardinals, July 5
Gift certificates to Chicago-area family entertainment centers

For more information or to give a financial gift online, visit us at www.breakthroughministries.com.

mark your calendar

FREE Volunteer Workshops

FREE Volunteer Workshops

Volunteers, don't miss these opportunities! Only two workshops remain, focusing on issues of interest to volunteers who serve meals at our homeless centers. Visit our website to find out more and RSVP!

Tips For Being an Effective Manna Ministry Team Leader
Wednesday, June 18, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Preparing and Leading Effective Devotionals
Wednesday, June 25, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

RSVP now at www.breakthroughministries.com.

Breakthrough Annual Benefit
Friday, October 10, 2003

Don't miss guest speaker Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. Singer/songwriter Ashley Cleveland will perform. This year's benefit will be at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (131 W. Wacker) at 6:30 pm. Reserve your spot today with an online RSVP at www.breakthroughministries.com.

Table Host Kick-off
Saturday, August 9, 2003

Be a Table Host! If you'd like to host a table of ten, register online at www.breakthroughministries.com, or contact Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290. Table Hosts are invited to join us for a kick-off on Saturday, August 9 at 10 am at the Joshua Center (3330 W. Carroll Ave.). Brunch will be served.

ministry update
the latest news from Breakthrough

Free Medical Care Aids Homeless Women

An intern listens to Lory's heart in the upstairs clinic at the Joshua Center.

"I really appreciate what goes on here," says Lory, as she waits for her turn at the medical clinic. A former guest at the Joshua Center, she has come to get a physical, a requirement for the new job she wants to apply for. "It's unusual for a shelter to provide a clinic, and this one is special. I know they care about me," Lory says, referring to the medical staff. She continues, "They really listen to me and even sit down to eat or talk. These are beautiful people!"

Every week, homeless women at the Joshua Center have the opportunity to receive free medical exams and care. Through a partnership with the Mobile Health Team from Circle Urban Ministries and funding from the VNA Foundation, Dr. Tom Huggett, Nurse Practitioner Christine Smith, and a team of medical students from the University of Illinois assess and treat patients in an upstairs exam room at Joshua. Debbie Giusto, a third-year student and clinical pharmacist, organizes the roster of students who volunteer.

Over 80% of the homeless women that come to Breakthrough's Joshua Center have no health insurance or public aid. Through the medical clinic, they can receive flu shots, eye and ear tests, and screenings for TB, HIV, and other STDs. Christine Smith conducts Pap screenings every other week.

According to Dr. Huggett, many women who come to the clinic struggle with ailments like asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, and skin conditions. He observes, "Well over half of the women here have significant mental health issues. We see a lot of bi-polar disorders, schizophrenia, and major depression. Fortunately, I can make assessments and referrals to Sona so the women can get the help they need." Sona Ngula is a social worker at Breakthrough's Joshua Center. She has established a vital partnership with healthcare providers, like Bobby Wright Community Mental Health Center.

volunteer spotlight

Grace Park is a Medical Student at UIC. She coordinates monthly health education meetings for homeless women at the Joshua Center. She and her husband, J.T., attend Immanuel Baptist Church and live in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood.

"Breakthrough's notion of giving people a step up-rather than a handout-really resonated with me. I wanted to get involved."

Tell us about the health education groups at Joshua:
The homeless women have a great interest in their own health; they just need the opportunity to get advice and help. The ladies have asked for discussions on a wide variety of topics, from dental hygiene and back pain, to depression, STDs and HIV, tuberculosis, domestic violence, and rape.

Students involved in UIC's Christian Medical and Dental Association lead the discussion groups. It's exciting to provide them with a chance to help homeless women and to learn about the realities
they face.

How has your life been impacted?
The ladies have been such a blessing and encouragement to me. I've been challenged to be thankful for what I have. Their openness and dependence on the Lord gives me new perspective every time I come to volunteer. I have received more than I have given.

How did you hear about Breakthrough?
My husband and I were invited to a volunteer workshop that was held at First Evangelical Free Church, which is in our neighborhood. Now my own church has gotten involved in cooking dinner and giving devotionals at Joshua Center. My husband and I participate in that also.

thank you

New Sleepwear Is a Blessing
Homeless women at the Joshua Center recently received new pajamas. Thank you to the Women's Ministry from Willow Creek and Single Focus from Moody Church. Both groups donated enough sleepwear to keep on hand for future use. To see what other items are needed at the Joshua Center, check out the wish list at www.breakthroughministries.com.

Breakthrough Volunteer Receives Monetary Award

Vivian serves an evening meal to the homeless women at Joshua.

Congratulations and thank you to Vivian Chen, an employee of Sodexho and member of the Chinese Christian Fellowship Church in Wilmette. The Sodexho Foundation awarded Breakthrough a $5,000 grant in Vivian's name for her volunteer work at the Joshua Center. Vivian and members from her church serve dinner monthly.

Does your company or foundation award grants or provide matching gifts? Contact Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 or nhall@breakthroughministries.com.