Arloa Sutter

We have been quoting many statistics about East Garfield Park since we began ministering there in early 2000. It has had the highest murder rate in the city and more formerly incarcerated drug dealers than any other neighborhood in Chicago. With its high crime, low income, failing schools, high unemployment and shortage of food and economic opportunities; we have not had a difficult task establishing need in our community.

This week we heard more statistics. As of December 31st, 2004 there were 25 homicides in our police district (down from 57 in 2003, a 56% decrease). There were 122 nonfatal, intentional shootings (down from 258 in 2003, a 53% decrease) and there were 34 drive-by shootings (down from 48 in 2003, a 29% decrease). District 11 probably enjoyed the most dramatic violent crime reduction in the entire city!

I would like to think this downturn in the crime rate is the result of our work in the community. After all, kids who were formerly running the streets near Carroll and Homan are now engaged in sports activities, Bible studies and academic pursuits. Families who may have been struggling in isolation are gaining support from one another, finding opportunities for employment and camaraderie, and joining together for worship and prayer. Women who might have become perpetrators or victims of violent crimes are safely living inside the Joshua Center, studying Scripture daily and finding affordable housing and living wage jobs.

But then again, the drop in crime might be the result of increased police presence, video surveillance cameras, and a re-energized CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) program. Who knows? At any rate, we rejoice in this great news!

One thing I do know is that God is at work in East Garfield Park. Ministries are flourishing in the community. Christians who care are moving to the neighborhood, joining many already there who believe that a community can be transformed by the power of God working through His people. Many people are praying for the resurrection of the neighborhood. Is it happening? Do you believe?

Help out by donating items from our wish lists. Click on the links below to see the wish list from each program area.

Men’s Services

Women’s Services

Youth & Family Services

Do you have a heart for women in crisis? Make a difference by volunteering with Breakthrough's Women's Services. Volunteers are needed for the Side By Side program and Street Outreach (formerly Bridge of Hope programs.)

An important volunteer training course will be offered on Saturday, January 29 at the Joshua Center ( 3330 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago.)

10:00 am - 12:30 pm Mentor Training for Side By Side Program (women volunteers only)

1:00 pm - 3:00pm Street Outreach Training (men and women volunteers)

For more information on these programs and training, contact Director of Women's Services, Yolanda Fields, at 773.722.0179 x13 or yfields@breakthroughministries.com.

Cortez and Avyela learn leadership skills through the “Earn While You Learn’ program.

At its inception in the spring of 2002 Extra Mile was essentially a college preparation program for high school youth involved at Breakthrough. Today it has expanded to serve as a compliment to all the Breakthrough youth programs for high school students. Extra Mile incorporates leadership training, education and tutoring activities, sports, internet training, time management tools and Bible studies.

The “Earn While You Learn” program is a good example of the Extra Mile idea. In this exciting new program, several high school youth learn real world concepts and good work habits while investing in their community. Students must maintain exemplary academic and social standards, perform community service, attend workshops and help younger students in the after-school tutoring program. In return, they earn money to be used towards education and current needs.

Earn While You Learn participants are very involved with Breakthrough’s after-school tutoring program. Each acts as a “mayor” of a “city” of several younger students, supervising their attendance, behavior and work. “The mayors meet with me once a week to discuss the status of their city,” says Kristi White, Assistant Academic Assistance Coordinator. “Their involvement is a good opportunity to show positive leadership.”

“I like school a little bit more now,” says Cortez, reflecting on his experience as a mayor. “I think I’ve started to understand a little bit of what my teachers go through every day.” Another mayor, Avyela, has realized how her efforts affect others. “I like it that the kids feel like they can come to me for help,” she says.

Earn While You Learn is designed to give family members, friends, local community members and broader community members the opportunity to support young people and their desire to become positive, productive members of society. They have the opportunity to become “investors” in the students enrolled in the program.

Become an investor! For more information on Extra Mile and the Earn While You Learn program, contact Kristi White at 773.722.0179 x19 or kwhite@breakthroughministries.com.

Thanks to Steve Nelson for contributing to this article.

Eric and Tori Wagnon live in Oak Park and attend Park Community Church . Eric is a producer at ABC Channel 7.

Breakthrough understands that homelessness is not solved with a plate of spaghetti and a coat. While they do provide these basic needs, their programs also address the deeper, more complex issues facing homeless persons. Breakthrough transforms lives in a lasting way.

In what ways has giving to Breakthrough impacted you?

Unfortunately, it’s easy to develop a negative attitude toward homeless people through contact with panhandlers on city streets. Serving at Breakthrough fosters a broader view of the problem of homelessness. Having an opportunity to meet and talk over dinner with men who have faced homelessness makes you realize your common ground. Although unfortunate situations or certain decisions have led to difficulties in their lives, the men are generally well spoken and even well educated. Their determination to turn their lives in a positive direction at Breakthrough is truly inspirational.

Why do you feel it is important to support Breakthrough financially?

They have a real heart for those in need and are really “in the trenches” doing God’s work.

In what other ways are you involved with the ministry?

We periodically serve with our church small group in the Manna Ministry program. With our toddler, Coleman, providing entertainment, we had the special honor of sharing last Thanksgiving dinner with the men at Breakthrough.

Using my professional skills and resources as a television producer, I worked on the video for last fall’s Annual Benefit. Thanks to my employer, ABC 7, I was able to use the editing equipment at my office for the project, which saved Breakthrough thousands of dollars. Don Albert and Paul Konrad, two Breakthrough volunteers who also work in the television industry, were also instrumental in the production.

Become a Breakthrough donor! Click here to make an online donation.

Amy Cosby has been Breakthrough’s Volunteer Coordinator for three years.

To inquire about or schedule volunteer opportunities please contact our interim Volunteer Coordinator, Sharon Durling, at 773.989.4382 x271 or sdurling@breakthroughministries.com.