Arloa Sutter

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion..." - Philippians 1:6

In April a group of dedicated kids from Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows gave up two Saturdays to help us clean our newly acquired building in East Garfield Park for tours. Needless to say, there were some pretty disgusting things to get rid of! I told them they were like the Navy Seals, coming in ahead of future volunteers to rid the building of garbage and debris.

As with so many other details in our short history with this building, God provided! In this case, He chose to use a group of kids to do the work that many of us would have turned down.

Recently we received an unusual gift. A local corporation donated over forty pieces of beautiful artwork. To be honest, we'd given very little thought to one of the very last details in our building's renovation - dressing the walls! But God moves us forward with the end in sight! Since He has given us the art pieces, I am confident that he will surely provide the walls on which to hang them.

Here are three ways you can help:

1. JOIN US FOR THE 19th ANNUAL HUNGER WALK.
Raise support with a three-mile walk along Lake Michigan at Montrose Harbor on Saturday, June 19th. This year's event will feature music and family entertainment! 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 and a pledge sheet, please call Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290, or click here to fill out a request form online.

2. DONATE FOOD.
While we can purchase many items from the Food Depository, there is always a need for additional items. Click here for a list of items needed and drop-off information.

3. GIVE FINANCIALLY.
Click here to make an online donation. Your contribution will help our food service program, which provides over 50,000 meals each year.

GET YOUR CHURCH OR GROUP INVOLVED!
Click here for fund raising and food drive ideas.

Support Breakthrough's Food Drive 2004 by participating in the Annual Hunger Walk along Lake Michigan. All proceeds raised by Breakthrough's Hunger Walk participants are credited to our account at The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Click here to request a pledge sheet, or call Nancy Hall at 773.989.4382 x290.

Guest speaker, Dr. Tony Campolo!.

Providing breakfast to homeless men and women or an after-school meal to youth is only part of what Breakthrough does, but it is of vital importance. A nutritious food service program is one component of the holistic services we offer every day.

As we work with homeless adults who struggle with poverty, addiction and other issues, we offer daily breakfast, lunch and dinner to over 900 men and women.

To reach out to our surrounding communities, Breakthrough distributes free groceries to 3,500 low-income residents in the Edgewater neighborhood and an increasing number of families in the East Garfield Park neighborhood.

In addition to sports leagues and life-skills studies, neighborhood youth grow through academic after-school programs, where 40 youth receive three meals a week.

We nurture the emotional and social development of 15 pre-school aged children and provide them with breakfast and lunch three days a week.

By supporting Breakthrough's Annual Food Drive, you make a tangible difference in the lives of men, women and children every day.

Here are three ways to help:

• Click here to JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL HUNGER WALK on Saturday, June 19th.
• Click here for a list of needed items if you plan to DONATE FOOD.
• Click here to GIVE A FINANCIAL GIFT.

Joe Durkin co-owns a business with his brother in Atlanta, GA. He lives in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood and attends Park Community and New Life Community Churches. Joe's small group serves meals at Breakthrough's North Side homeless center.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Breakthrough?
I appreciate the opportunity to interface with the homeless guests. I admire their desire to trust God and positively contribute to society. I also enjoy the opportunity to serve with the guys in my small group. It is an honor and a joy to work alongside them.

What led to your decision to become a Breakthrough donor?
I was blessed with many tools and opportunities to succeed in life. I want to share the blessing by helping those who may not have the same opportunities.

In what ways has giving to Breakthrough impacted you?
It helps me stay grounded and increases my faith. By supporting Breakthrough financially and with my time, I have been able to see God at work in the lives of others. In turn, it makes me want to continue to improve my relationship with the Lord.

Why do you feel it is important to support Breakthrough financially?
In addition to following God's guidance in this area, I believe that for every person Breakthrough helps, the impact on others around him or her can be exponentially greater. With more funding, Breakthrough staff and volunteers can reach more people more effectively.

What led you to become involved with the ministry?
I look for opportunities to serve in organizations that truly have their participants' best interests at heart. After learning about Breakthrough, it became obvious to me that they have made quite a difference in many people's lives. I knew it would be a good place to serve.