Breakthrough Urban Ministries Newsletter -

Breakthrough's Housing Program
2005 Hunger Walk
The Key To Resilience
Breakthrough youth and donor, Latara
Tutors Make An Impact

Arloa Sutter

The Key To Resilience

"It's amazing what kids can go through," says Emmy Werner, a professor of Human Development at the University of California. The ability to overcome extreme circumstances: poverty, a parent's absence, a violent neighborhood and to find happiness, while others are defeated by their circumstances is something psychologists are calling "resilience". Werner says you can't teach resilience, but researchers have identified some skills that help kids overcome adversity. Among them, becoming a good reader and practicing a religious faith, can be critical.

We measure whether the kids in our academic program are growing in their reading skills. In 2003, only 26% of the kids in our program were at or above their grade reading level. Last week they tested at 54%. And every week 55 kids participate in a small group Bible study where they grow in developing their religious beliefs.

Certainly, there is much more support that we all need to flourish, but it's nice to hear research that helps to explain why young people in East Garfield Park are overcoming adversity. Breakthrough is there!

Saturday, June 18th - Please join us for the 20th Annual Hunger Walk! All the money raised on behalf of Breakthrough will be credited to our account at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, where we purchase food for our programs at a greatly discounted price.
Click here for more details.

As the school year draws to a close, we want to thank the tutors in our After-School program. With their dedicated help, Breakthrough students were able to raise their reading test scores significantly (see Leader Brief.)

For other volunteer opportunities with our Youth & Family Services program, click here.

Paul has benefited from permanent housing secured through Breakthrough.

A Home For Stability

"It's nice to have a quiet place to come home to," says Paul, a Breakthrough participant. "I have a fish tank and I enjoy watching them," he says. "I guess it's my hobby."

When he came to Breakthrough three years ago, Paul received support through case management and a treatment program. He soon qualified for permanent, supportive housing, and has lived in his own place for almost two and a half years.

Through a partnership with the Low Income Housing Trust Fund and the Chicago Department of Housing, Breakthrough currently provides 15 men with permanent housing in the Uptown neighborhood. Participants pay a percentage of their salary as rent. Paul and the other men meet monthly with Breakthrough staff person, Catherine Calabrese, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, for ongoing case management. They also have access to our day services, like telephone and fax use, and our weekly food pantry.

"Housing enhances every aspect of a person's well-being," says Catherine. "It gives a man the opportunity to make better choices in his recovery, relationships, job-seeking and much more. It creates stability so he doesn't have to focus so much on just basic survival."

Paul recently secured a job working overnights as a security clerk for an apartment building. "It was difficult to adjust to the schedule at first," he says. "but God has really blessed me with this job."

Latara is in the 6th grade. She is actively involved with Breakthrough's academic program.

What made you decide to participate in the Hunger Walk?
Last year, Sharron Baskins asked me if I would raise money for the Walk. She explained to me how it would allow Breakthrough to buy food to serve to the women at Joshua. It was exciting to know that I could do something to help women who don't have a home.

This is your second year raising money?
Yes. It was a lot of fun last year. I was able to raise over $1,000. This year, I want to raise even more. I might ask some of my friends to join me, too.

Were you nervous about asking people for support?
At first, I was nervous. Some people were skeptical, but once I explained to them that the money would help women at the Joshua Center, everyone was excited to give. They are familiar with what Breakthrough does and were happy to help.

What is your favorite healthy meal?
I like things that are simple, like rice, ham and fruit.

What is your favorite way to be active and get exercise?
I jump rope, walk and ride my bike. I also like to go to the beach at the lake or swim in Moody Bible Institute's pool.

Support Latara's efforts for the Hunger Walk. To make a pledge on her behalf, contact Academic Coordinator, Marcie Curry, at 773.722.0179 x19 mcurry@breakthroughministries.com.