Arloa Sutter

1. At 11:00 pm one Saturday night, the handle fell off our alley door at the Joshua Center. That same evening, the doorbell rang and a man appeared. "Is there anything you need fixed around here?" he asked.

2. We received a medical exam table as a donation. The following week, a doctor called to ask if he could set up a medical clinic at the Joshua Center.

3. After acquiring a large street cleaning contract, we realized we would need an additional van in order to transport our crews. The same day, a man called, hoping to donate a van.

4. Closing the door to the North Side homeless center at the end of the day, one staff member remarked to another that we were out of deodorant. Just then, they heard a knock at the door. A woman had brought two Jewel bags full of deodorant.

5. A large male guest needed a coat. We didn't have one big enough to fit him. Later that morning, a man came through the door with a big down coat over his arm. He said, "This morning, while I was praying, God led me to give this to Breakthrough. Can you use it?"

God uses people like you to help Breakthrough every day.

Thank you!
Arloa Sutter

Get your church or group involved! You can help by donating toys, games, personal items and wrapping supplies. Organize a gift drive! Host a holiday party and have guests bring toys and other items! Plan an afternoon Christmas shopping spree with your group! Click here for a list of items needed. For questions regarding the gift list, contact Amy Cosby at 773.989.4382 x271 or acosby@breakthroughministries.com.

Drop-off information: Please deliver unwrapped gifts, tape and wrapping paper to the Joshua Center. (Daytime) Mondays and Fridays, 9 am - 3 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 am - 6 pm (Evening) daily, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

PLEASE NOTE: The last day to drop off donations is Friday, December 12. For questions regarding drop-offs, contact Oreon Trickey at 773.722.0179 x15 or otrickey@breakthroughministries.com.

The Christmas Store is open to our male and female homeless guests, youth involved in our programs and their families, and community residents near the Joshua Center. They will have the opportunity to purchase gifts for a nominal amount, using their own money, or in some cases, earned "Breakthrough Bucks." Any proceeds will go towards the cost of operating the Store.

Drop-off schedule: (Daytime) Mondays and Fridays, 9 am - 3 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 am - 6 pm; (Evening) daily, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm.

For questions regarding drop-offs, contact Oreon Trickey at 773.722.0179 x15 or otrickey@breakthroughministries.com .

Ricardo Salinas is saving money to rent an apartment.

Ricardo Moves On
Ricardo's smile is telling of his enthusiasm for life and love for others. "Sometimes, I feel like he is more of a blessing to us than we are to him," observes Breakthrough social worker, Catherine Calabrese. A guest at Breakthrough's North Side center, Ricardo is close to moving on, and he has started by becoming a Breakthrough donor.

By his words and actions, Ricardo is a humble example of Christ's words in Mark 10:15, "...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." He speaks excitedly about God's many provisions in his life, despite years of being homeless. "I was blessed five times more than what I asked for," he says, remembering the time when a man found him sleeping in an abandoned car and gave him five dollars for food. "I was already getting meals at Breakthrough, so I used the money for something I really needed and had prayed for - nail clippers. After I bought them, I still had four dollars left!"

While a guest at Breakthrough's North Side center, Ricardo met volunteer, Michael Perkaus, an aquatic biologist who attends Harvest Bible Chapel. Michael offered Ricardo a part-time job, assisting him with pond maintenance and analysis. Ricardo smiles, "It's awesome to be a part of nature. I also get to meet a lot of people. It's very interesting to talk with the customers."

Keep Ricardo in prayer as he finishes his GED, continues his job, and gets ready to move into an apartment.

From left: Leah, Joscey, Dave and Moriah Brecheisen; Joshua, Kevin, Lisa and Shayna Gwin.

Lisa runs the Breakthrough Beginners program for pre-school aged children, and Joscey assists. They also offer tutoring for younger kids several days a week. Kevin and Dave tutor older youth in Breakthrough's after-school program and serve as sports coaches. Both couples host weekly Bible studies for youth and transport them nearly every night of the week to various Youth Outreach activities.

The Gwin and Brecheisen families live and attend church near the Joshua Center. Kevin is the pastor of Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. The couples enjoy spending time with their neighbors in East Garfield Park. Several youth from the program and their families also attend the church.

Breakthrough has been blessed with the dedication and commitment of these two families. Thank you!

Get involved! Become a Youth Outreach volunteer or donate items from our wish list!

Cindy Harris serves on Breakthrough's Board of Directors.

Why do you feel it is important to support Breakthrough financially? Since Breakthrough is a Christian organization, many foundations, corporations, individuals and sometimes the government, will not give their financial support. That means churches and people like me must step up to help provide funds for food, supplies, buildings, utilities and staff. Also, Jesus said that the world would know we love Him if we share His love with others. It is important to demonstrate that in tangible ways, not just with words.

In what ways has giving to Breakthrough impacted you? Being involved with Breakthrough has allowed me to be a part of what God is doing in Chicago. I have witnessed His blessings on the ministry through the years. More than anything, I love hearing stories of God's miraculous provision for Breakthrough's guests. I have also met some awesome people through Breakthrough -- volunteers, staff, board members and guests. Unexpectedly, I have also come to understand the phrase, "You can't out give God." It has been the most amazing thing!

What led to your decision to give? About ten years ago, I read straight through the Bible. For the first time in my life, I was struck with the realization of God's heart for the poor. Nearly every book in the Bible speaks of it. Convicted, I prayed about what I should do with this new awareness. Shortly afterwards, I learned about Breakthrough through Arloa Sutter. I knew that God had given me a way to show my love for Him by sharing what He had given me with others who needed help. Surprisingly, it became easy for me to give. In fact, I experienced new joy and purpose in my life.

How long have you been a Breakthrough donor? I was already attending First Free when Breakthrough was birthed from that church. I've been a donor since the beginning.

Support Breakthrough by becoming a donor. Your gift changes lives!