Arloa Sutter

At our Annual Benefit on October 7, we announced the public phase of a capital campaign to fund the Breakthrough Ministry Center. The renovated building in East Garfield Park will house our Men's Services Program and administrative offices.

We met with many of our donors throughout the summer and we are thrilled to announce that we have raised $2.5 million toward our capital campaign goal of $3 million. When we reach our three million dollar goal an anonymous donor has agreed to contribute $350,000 toward the next phase of our growth. God is so amazing!

But we are not there yet. We still need your help to raise the remaining $500,000. If you have already given perhaps you know others that would want to get involved. Please let us know.

While we are very excited about the capital campaign, we must not neglect the tough work of equipping the ministry day to day. As we begin to face the cold temperatures and the holiday rush, I would ask you to remember Breakthrough with a generous donation. God is at work here. Reaching out in love to those who are often overlooked makes life so much more meaningful.

CLICK HERE to give.

You can help by donating new toys, games, personal items and wrapping supplies. Organize a gift drive! Get your church or group involved! Host a holiday party and have guests bring toys and other items! Plan an afternoon Christmas shopping spree with your group!

Please drop off items by Wednesday, December 14 to Breakthrough's Joshua Center (3330 W. Carroll Ave.) Click here for a list of items and drop-off times.

Through the generous support of individuals and foundations, Breakthrough has raised over $2.5 million dollars - 80% of our $3 million dollar goal. Now, you can help us make this phase of our growth a reality!

Nearly two years ago, Breakthrough was blessed with the opportunity to purchase a building and property in East Garfield Park for a very reasonable price. Since that time, architects at Built Form have worked with Breakthrough to plan and design the space for what will become the Beakthrough Ministry Center. We are also partnering with HomeAid to secure help with construction costs and materials.

The building at 402 N. St. Louis Ave. and adjoining lots will house our Men's Services program, including Breakthrough Employment Services and Training (BEST), and our administrative offices. The 24,000 square foot building will nearly double the amount of space for these programs which currently operate in rented space from First Evangelical Free Church in the north side neighborhood of Edgewater.

We need you! Your contribution will help us reach our goal, allowing Breakthrough to localize all areas of the ministry into one campus in East Garfield Park.

Gifts at all levels are valued and truly allow us to transform lives, hearts and communities from the inside out. Please consider an investment in the ministry of Breakthrough that represents a gift above and beyond your current annual giving. The giving campaign officially ends on December 31, 2007. CLICK HERE to give now!

CLICK HERE to read more information on the Breakthrough Ministry Center.

Speak with Executive Director, Arloa Sutter, or another Breakthrough staff member about this exciting project! Please contact Development Coordinator, Sarah Leoni, at 773.722.1144 x273 or sleoni@breakthroughministries.com for more information.

Gerald and Food Services Assistant, Willie Grimes, cook up hearty meals for guests in the Men's Services Program.

What brought you to Breakthrough?
After hearing about the position several times and considering other jobs, I prayed about what choice to make. In the end, I felt a peace about taking the job with the Men's Services Program.

What kind of experience do you have preparing meals?
I've worked in various restaurants and kitchens for over 20 years. Most recently, I worked on the Spirit of Chicago cruise boat off Navy Pier.

What do you most enjoy about working at Breakthrough?
I'm used to cooking for large groups of people, so preparing lunch for 30 or 40 men comes easily for me. Over the years, I've worked in fast-paced, high-volume environments. I enjoy working here in a quiet kitchen where I have the time to be creative and offer nutritional, home-cooked meals. The men seem to truly appreciate what I do, so that encourages me.