Arloa Sutter

I have been involved in projects that leave me feeling exhausted, frustrated and ready to quit. Right now, though, I feel like I am riding on a wave of the Holy Spirit. I am continually amazed at God's provision for our new building in East Garfield Park!

Back in November, Pastor Arnold Stewart of the Grace Mission Church said, "I don't want to haggle. I won't take less than $175,000!" As God had it, Breakthrough's board meeting was the very next night. Without reservation the board signed a contract to purchase the property.

Within the next four months, all of the money came in. It covered our closing costs, and we even had enough to rent dumpsters and pay for some of the initial work.

Stacey Rubin-Silver, the attorney who helped us with our special use permit for the Joshua Center, agreed to help us again for a fraction of her usual fee. She also got us in touch with award-winning architect, Robert Bistry and his new architectural firm, Built Form. They also agreed to work with us at a minimal rate and to engage their engineering partners. Working with these talented and creative architects has been incredible, and we are currently in the process of developing floor plans.

I've always regretted that more people weren't able to see the Joshua Center before it underwent radical transformation. I now invite you to see the new building before we start renovations. Please join us for a tour on Saturday, May 8th! The new floor plans and project renderings will be on display. Contact Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290 or nhall@breakthroughministries.com to schedule your tour.

Don't miss the miracles. Ride the wave with us!

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Click here to set up your monthly contribution using your credit card or an Electronic Fund Transfer.

Here are three ways you can help:

1. Make a financial donation.

2. Participate in the Hunger Walk. Show your support with a 5K walk along Lake Michigan on Saturday, June 19! All proceeds raised by Breakthrough's Hunger Walk participants are credited to our account at The Greater Chicago Food Depository, where we can buy food for around 7¢ a pound. For more information contact Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290 or nhall@breakthroughministries.com.

3. Donate food. While we can purchase many items from the Food Depository, there is always a need for additional items.

It's not too early to get involved!
Click here for ideas to get your church or group involved.

Saturday, May 8 - Tour Our New Building at 402 N. St. Louis Ave. Look at floor plans and project renderings and tour the current space. Contact Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290 or nhall@breakthroughministries.com to schedule your tour.

Saturday, May 22 - Bridge of Hope reception: Meet Yolanda, Brenda and team members for food, fellowship and fun! 2:00 pm, Joshua Center, 3330 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago

Friday, October 29 - Breakthrough's 2004 Annual Benefit at the Chicago Hyatt. Don't miss this year's guest speaker, Dr. Tony Campolo!

Marquis tutors younger students in Breakthrough's after-school program.

"Working at everything with all of your heart brings just as much glory to God as witnessing on the street," says Marquis, a student in Breakthrough's Extra Mile program. "I've learned that school counts too." Marquis is one of 12 youth enrolled in the weekly life skills class, which provides guidance and encouragement to high school students.

The ratio of guidance counselors to students is extremely low at most Chicago Public Schools. Most students are left with little school support in planning the future. Extra Mile makes a difference by placing an emphasis on the following areas: standardized test prep, note-taking skills, time management, resume writing, internet research, interviewing skills, and financial planning.

Marquis puts what he's learned into practice. "Now I know that my high school grades are important, too. Colleges don't just look at ACT scores. Even though I got bad grades during my freshman and sophomore years, Extra Mile has helped get me back on track." During the weekly sessions, he works on homework and soaks up practical tips about having insurance and getting into college.

The majority of students enrolled in Extra Mile volunteer as tutors for Breakthrough's after-school program. Students in the tutoring program benefit from seeing a teenager from their own community spend time with and help them. Additionally, students from the Extra Mile program learn the value of "giving back" while they earn service learning hours, a graduation requirement of the Chicago Public Schools.

Overall, the older students are excited about tutoring, and some have even gone above and beyond the hours required of them. Marquis has been a tutor since the 2002-2003 school year. Although he enjoys the experience, he admits it can be challenging when the younger students have trouble staying focused.

Marquis plans to attend college. "I want to go into ministry of some kind," he says. "I respect how Breakthrough shows Christ's love without making you feel like they won't like you if you're not a Christian."

Help Breakthrough "walk the extra mile!"
Does your company have an internship program? Last summer, five students secured paid internships in medical, financial and law fields. If you know of an opportunity for this summer, please contact Assistant Academic Coordinator, Kristi Lach, at 773.722.0179 x19 or klach@breakthroughministries.com.

John Searls is the Executive Director of Providence Charities. He lives in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood and attends Park Community Church.

What led to your decision to give?
About a year ago, my brother, our dad and I formed Providence Charities. We build single-family homes, sell them on the open market, and donate the profits to Christian ministries that demonstrate the love of Christ. We were really impressed with Breakthrough's mission.

Why do you feel it is important to support Breakthrough financially?
Jesus calls us to help others and to spread His Good News. By caring for people in need, Breakthrough lives out Christ's message. Some may come to faith because of what they've experienced.

In what other ways are you involved with the ministry?
My small group plans to serve meals at one of the homeless centers. Also, I recently learned about Bridge of Hope. I'd like to become involved with that ministry, too.

Click here to make an online donation.

A new industrial-size, walk-in cooler/freezer at the Joshua Center will allow us to stock more food for our new Food Pantry program, daily meals for homeless guests, and meals for students enrolled in Kids Café. Thank you to the following donors who contributed financially for this major purchase: Ron and Sharon Pitcher, Bill Smith, Greg and Judy Budinger, Hartford Insurance, Jill Jensen and the youth from Hope Lutheran Church, and an anonymous foundation.

We'd also like to thank Lori McIlhenny, who connected us with Dave Tribe, an employee at Fannie Mae. Since Fannie Mae recently went out of business, Dave was able to donate over 250 pounds of sugar to Breakthrough.

You can make a difference, too! Click here to find out about our Annual Food Drive.