Breakthrough Urban Ministries Newsletter -


September 2003

leader brief

Need and Opportunity?

Arloa Sutter

"Can you please tell me what number I am on the waiting list?" a homeless guest asked a staff member.

"It looks like you are number 15," she replied after reviewing the overnight shelter list.

"Do you think I might get in before Christmas?" he asked soberly.

Patience, determination, persistence, and hope are characteristics of the men and women who make it through the waiting period to get into Breakthrough's overnight shelter. For those who do get shelter, the experience of security, guidance, and a caring community can be life changing.

The need for Breakthrough's services is great and growing. We constantly ask ourselves how we can do more and do it better. Your involvement is more crucial every day. Please consider increasing your gift or give a first-time gift to help us meet this important need.

Partner with Breakthrough today by giving online!

partner with us

Join the Double Gift Challenge!

Breakthrough is excited to share a tremendous giving opportunity with you! An anonymous donor recently extended a Double Gift Challenge to our donor family. Donors who double their giving in 2003 from last year will have the increase matched dollar-for-dollar through the generosity of this donor. First time gifts of $2,500 or more will also be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Call Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382, x290 for more information.

mark your calendar

Don't miss Breakthrough's 2003 Annual Benefit!

This year's event is Friday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 E. Wacker Drive). Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel, is our guest speaker. Ashley Cleveland, a Grammy award-winning artist, will perform. We look forward to an evening of reflection, hope, and sharing the vision for Breakthrough's future. Our fundraising goal this year is $350,000.

Go to
www.breakthroughministries.com!

View parking and other event information.
RSVP. Don't miss the Friday, October 3 deadline!
Sign up as a Table Host and submit your guests' names.
Unable to attend the Benefit? Make an online donation.

ministry update
the latest news from Breakthrough

Youth Programs Kick Into High Gear

Volunteers and Equipment Needed

Youth Outreach staff (clockwise from top left): Bill Curry, Youth Outreach Director; Marcie Curry, Academic Coordinator; Marvin Grover, Athletics Coordinator; Kristi Lach, Assistant Academic Coordinator.

Every fall, Breakthrough's Youth Outreach offers a variety of academic assistance and athletic programs aimed to encourage and strengthen the lives of young people. One goal of the Academic Assistance program is to have at least 75 percent of participating students reading at or above grade level by 2006. Last year, eight students earned spots on their school honor rolls.

Breakthrough Beginners
(Tuesdays - Thursdays, 8:45-12:15 am, Joshua Center)
Up to 12 preschool-age children participate in a fun, educationally focused program.

After-school Program
(Mondays - Thursdays, Joshua Center)
Students receive homework assistance on Mondays from 5:00-6:15 pm. Volunteers are needed for the tutoring program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 pm. On Wednesdays, youth participate in their choice of activities: art, computer, reading, recreation, piano, and twirling.

College Prep Program
High school students meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:45 pm at the Joshua Center to work on job interviewing, communication, and time-management skills. They also prepare for SAT exams.

For more information on becoming a tutor, call Kristi Lach or Marcie Curry at 773.722.0179 x19.

Bible Study
(Mondays, 6:45-8:30 pm)
Youth meet weekly for group singing and prayer before dividing into smaller groups for Bible study and discussion.

Athletic Program
Youth participate in soccer, basketball, softball, and baseball leagues. Soccer coaches are needed for the fall season. Practice is every Thursday at 6:00 pm, beginning on September 11. Matches are on Saturdays.

Basketball coaches are needed. Season begins with scrimmages in December and regular games in January. Practice will be on Mondays. Games will be played on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Saturday mornings.

Equipment needed: soccer balls, basketball scorebooks, and basketball jerseys.

For more information on coaching, or to donate equipment, call Marvin Grover at 773.722.0179 x21.

Your support DOES make a difference! Find out more about the Youth Outreach Program and make an online donation at www.breakthroughministries.com.

volunteer spotlight

Tell us about you and your team's volunteer experience at Breakthrough.

Bob Lourdel is the Director of Student Ministries at Harvest Bible Chapel in Crystal Lake. This summer, he brought junior and senior high students to volunteer at Breakthrough's Joshua Center.

I've learned how sheltered our suburban kids are to other neighborhoods. Working with Breakthrough has taught us to see the world through God's eyes. I have been overwhelmed by how much God has taught me this summer, and I'm blessed to have coordinated our projects with Oreon, Bill, and Amy. Their enthusiasm to see God do big things on the West Side has motivated me to do the same and share that passion with others and the students at Harvest.

What did you enjoy most?
We were blessed to help work on a facility where people's lives are impacted day by day. Our lives were touched as well. It was great to have the chance to play with the neighborhood kids at the carnival and work together with new people. We are thankful that God provided us with the resources to do it, and we look forward to serving again.

What did your group do?
We had the opportunity to serve meals to the guests and sort donated clothing. The majority of our work took place in the back courtyard. We added new plants to the neighborhood's community garden, built a deck, and painted a mural. Additionally, we helped put on a carnival for the Breakthrough Beginners Program.

How did you hear about Breakthrough, and what led you to become involved with the ministry?
A parent from our junior high youth group served at the men's center. I had prayed for an opportunity to take our junior and senior high students to the city. Through contacts at our church, I was put in touch with Breakthrough, and together we planned two five-day work trips at the Joshua Center.

Want to volunteer? Find out about opportunities online at www.breakthroughministries.com.

thank you

Boys and girls prepare for a game at baseball camp.

Thank you to the Dewan Foundation for sponsoring almost 30 youth to attend a baseball camp in Wisconsin. The youth learned valuable personal and team-building skills.

Special thanks to the Zurich foundation for sponsoring youth to attend Kids Across America. This weeklong summer camp offers a wide variety of sports and learning activities, along with opportunities for Bible study and discussion. One Breakthrough youth attending said, "I had the time of my life!"

Thank you to the junior and senior high groups from Harvest Bible Chapel in Crystal Lake for building a new deck in the courtyard at The Joshua Center. The youth raised money to buy materials. They also served meals in the homeless center, painted a mural on the courtyard wall, and helped put on a carnival for neighborhood children.