Executive Director, Arloa Sutter

In January I moved into East Garfield Park, just a few blocks from the Joshua Center. Living here has been something that I have wanted to do for several years. I love my apartment and feel that it is clearly a gift from God. As I walk through the neighborhood and talk with my neighbors I have been saddened by the difficult stories I have heard. Life in East Garfield Park is a struggle for many. The despair is evidenced by the liquor bottles and empty crack bags strewn along the streets and in the parks. It seems there is broken glass and rubbish everywhere.

While I know we could bring in busloads of people from outside the neighborhood to clean it up, I also recognize that the sight of outsiders coming in to work for a few hours and then leaving to go back to better neighborhoods can add to the sense of powerlessness of the residents.

The issues we face are complicated and difficult. So, we join in the struggle in small ways and we begin to see rays of hope.

Kids who would otherwise be roaming the streets are eager to participate in film production classes through our partnership with Starfish Studios. The reading levels of the participants of the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement program are continuing to rise preparing them for entrance into college and gainful employment. The mothers of our Breakthrough Beginners want to join the community of support developing around their children. Homeless men and women are engaging passionately with our Bible studies and devotions.

I think we all want to participate in something that is bigger than us, something worthy of our best effort, something that will truly transform the lives of those who live amidst the hopelessness. For me, that is Breakthrough. I love what involvement in this ministry does in me. My prayer life is enriched. My heart is made tender. I meet real heroes day after day.

Jesus is at work here and I am so glad to be in the middle of it. Thanks for the very important role that you play through your generous gifts to Breakthrough. I pray you feel the blessings of God pouring into your life.

To RSVP contact Volunteer Coordinator, Scott Ruth, at 773.722.1144 x271 or sruth@breakthroughministries.com

Hunger Walk - Saturday, June 24
SAVE THE DATE and join us for this year's Hunger Walk! Money raised will help Breakthrough serve over 50,000 meals to our guests and participants this year.

For more information contact Development Coordinator, Sarah Leoni, at 773.722.1144 x273 or sleoni@breakthroughministries.com.

Annual Benefit - Friday, October 20
SAVE THE DATE and join us for this year's Annual Benefit at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This year's event will feature Dr. Joseph Stowell. Musical guests include the Breakthrough Youth Choir and Von Matthews & Proclaim.

For more information, contact Development Coordinator, Sarah Leoni, at 773.722.1144 x273 or sleoni@breakthroughministries.com.

"We're not just taking care of kids. We're helping entire families to change," says Beginner's Coordinator, Lisa Gwin.

Breakthrough Beginners is our preschool program designed for kids three to five years of age. The program meets three days a week and provides instructional care, consistent routines, nutritional meals and social skills.

The program began four years ago with seven children in response to the need to give the single moms in the neighborhood some time to themselves. Today the program has reached its maximum capacity of fifteen children with another two children on the waiting list.

Mornings begin with Lisa Gwin, the program's coordinator, greeting both the child and parent. "I want parents to know they are important to us." Here children learn their colors, numbers, and alphabet - skills which will help them be more successful when they enter kindergarten. The program also serves as a relational building block for many families, offering stability, positive interaction, and guidance.

For example, this past September a three-year-old named Jeremy* was enrolled in Breakthrough Beginners. He had never been in a structured, learning environment so his behavior needed some improvement. He was disruptive, bad tempered, and did not respond well to authority. On several occasions, his mother was called to pick him up because the class could not function with his disruptions. Lisa considered removing Jeremy from the program, but that was not the message she wanted to convey to the little boy or his mom. Jeremy was invited to stay provided his mother, age seventeen, agreed to attend the classes with him for a period of one month. She agreed.

Throughout the month, not only did Jeremy's behavior in class show dramatic improvement, but his relationship with his mother and his behavior at home changed as well. In the time that they were in class together, both mother and son were learning how better to interact and communicate. Jeremy is now behaving appropriately, kindly, and with respect for authority.

Breakthrough Beginners is making a permanent difference in the lives of children and their families.

CLICK HERE to support Breakthrough with a monetary gift.

Volunteer, Matt Bell, teaches "Good Sense."

Describe your volunteer involvement.
Most recently, I've given workshops for Breakthrough staff using the "Good Sense" materials. In the future, I’d like to offer the information to Breakthrough’s guests and program participants.

How did you hear about Breakthrough and why did you decide to become involved?
Our small group served evening meals for the Men's Services Program. As I sat and talked with the men, the subject of money would inevitably come up. I am passionate about the subject of money and stewardship, and I became interested in sharing what I've learned with those at Breakthrough.

What has impacted you the most during your time at Breakthrough?
Some of my stereotypes about homelessness were broken apart after spending several evenings talking to the homeless men at Breakthrough. I gained a clearer sense of their struggles and realized how my own situation could have easily been different.

What would you tell others who are thinking about volunteering at Breakthrough?
The staff are passionate about what they do. It's wonderful to be a part of that. It's a great opportunity to learn from others.

CLICK HERE to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Catherine Calabrese

Special thanks to Catherine Calabrese, a licensed clinical social worker who has served as a faithful staff member for the past five years with the Men's Services Program. Catherine will marry and move away this spring. She will be greatly missed by co-workers and guests alike. Best wishes!

Jim Bone, 1933-2006

Volunteer, Jim Bone, with Chrishawn, a student at Breakthrough. Breakthrough offers deep thanks and condolences to the family of volunteer, Jim Bone, who passed away this month. Beginning in 2002, Jim faithfully volunteered as a tutor with the Youth and Family Services Program. He made a lasting impact in the lives of many neighborhood children and will be truly missed. CLICK HERE to read more.