"If Breakthrough wasn't here, I'd either be dead or growing old as a drunk on the streets. I truly believe God worked through Breakthrough to save me."

Part of Richard wanted to be rid of alcohol forever. He went through detox treatments dozens of times. But once clean, he did not see much of a future. He thrived on chaos and confusion, and sobriety made life seem boring.

One snowy night walking the streets drunk, Richard felt a sudden conviction to get clean and stay sober. He made his way to a local detox center and, eventually, to an inpatient treatment program where he spent the next nine months.

As the program term ended, Richard again felt hopeless about the future. He'd been at this point before--sober, ready for change but without prospects. He thought he was unemployable, and his body felt like a bundle of broken nerves.

Richard had stayed at Breakthrough before, and he remembered how the staff seemed to care about him. He decided to call, hoping he'd be welcomed back.

Social worker Catherine Calabrese talked to him at length and encouraged him to meet with her. After further discussion, Catherine admitted him into Breakthrough's Supportive Housing program. The summer before last, Richard moved into his own home. Overwhelmed, he lay on the floor, closed his eyes, and prayed, "Lord, I can't believe I'm lying on this floor in my own home. I really don't want to mess things up. Please help me to stay on the right path and not blow it."

Richard found a job in Breakthrough's Cleanstreet program. He's grateful for the opportunity to work and earn money, but he's searching for more. While his obsession with alcohol is gone, the desire is still there, and the damage to his body is significant. Richard is making great strides in his life but needs your prayers.

Tom Woodworth volunteers with Bridge Of Hope, Breakthrough's outreach to women in prostitution. He attends First Evangelical Free Church in Chicago.

How has your volunteer experience affected you?
I've experienced the blessing of friendship through singleness of purpose. Those of us who volunteer with Bridge of Hope's Street Outreach probably represent at least a half dozen different churches. There might be some disagreements about doctrine, but when we're on the street, we are focused on the same task. We grow to appreciate and love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, despite our differences.

Explain your volunteer role in Street Outreach.
Male volunteers like me primarily spend the time walking a distance behind the female volunteers and staff. Our presence offers both physical and spiritual protection. We pray as they interact with women on the street. Before leaving for Street Outreach, all the volunteers and staff meet together for a time of worship, devotions, and prayer.

What do you think is so important about this ministry?
Bridge of Hope follows Jesus' example by meeting people where they are and offering help. Volunteers have the opportunity to see how low "bottom" is for some people--and then see those same people changed and praising God.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Breakthrough?
I often receive unexpected blessings. Before volunteering with Bridge of Hope, I helped with the overnight shift at Breakthrough's center for homeless men. I remember thinking, "All I did was sit and watch over the men. How is that significant?" The Holy Spirit reassured me that God appreciates even the seemingly small things like that.

Have you encountered other unexpected things?
Although Bridge of Hope is aimed at reaching women, men sometimes come up to the RV. One man, who was obviously not sober, had a lot on his mind. As I talked to him, I remember praying silently, "Lord, I don't think I can handle this. I don't know if I'll say the right things." But the Holy Spirit brought immediate reassurance. I felt, "Just keep going. I'm working with you."

Find out more about Bridge of Hope! Go to www.breakthroughministries.com or call Tonya Young or Brenda Williams at 773.722.0179 x13.