Executive Director, Arloa Sutter

A few weeks ago I came home from the office to find someone had shot through my living room window. I found the bullet lodged in the far side of my dining room wall. The word on the street is that there is an escalating battle over drug trafficking turf on the block.

It was a quick lesson for me of the hazards that people experience in our community where jobs are scarce and education limited. The lure of making quick money through selling drugs is so strong that many who see no other hope for their future are drawn into the dangerous lifestyle and the residents are put at risk.

Recently in the Englewood community of Chicago, two young girls, Starkesia Reed, 14, and Siretha White, 10, were killed while they played in their homes, the unintended victims of stray bullets.

Hope for the future is what Breakthrough brings to the community. Through sports activities, academic assistance and Bible studies, youth in the neighborhood are finding relationships and opportunities that will save them from the treacheries of the street. Men and women who are looking for a way out of the street life, are coming to Breakthrough to find real help and hope through Jesus Christ.

The “Cease Fire” signs do little, unless they are accompanied by real substantiated hope for life change. Through Breakthrough, you are helping make the difference.

For Easter Sunday, this group gave our guests an extraordinary gift. Shema invited the guests of our men’s shelter to their church in Arlington Heights for a great breakfast, followed by an Easter Service. One of our staff members commented, “The group from the Shema Movement made a definite impact on the lives of our guys, and their desire to form a relationship with them is awesome!”

Miss Mary is definitely not the stereotypical picture of Chicago’s homeless. She is a sweet, elderly lady with white hair and bright eyes. She spent her life serving others as a nurse. She never married and never had any children. The only family she has is an older sister who is confined to a nursing home.

She was 88 years old when Miss Mary came to our door at Breakthrough’s Joshua Center looking for help. As she shared her story with the staff, our hearts went out to her. She had been staying at another local facility where she had been neglected and treated poorly.

As we opened our ministry to Miss Mary, it was we who were blessed. “She made me want to come to work,” said Teresa McHenry, one of our case workers. “Miss Mary was always so cheerful and concerned about me. She liked just to sit with me and talk with me about God.”

Miss Mary had placed her faith in God many years before, and was a source of encouragement to everyone she met. One of the individuals who became involved in her life was a volunteer from Park Community Church named Joe Riccardi. During the months Miss Mary was at Breakthrough, Joe and Miss Mary were able to build a friendship. “I sincerely care about Miss Mary. She helped me become more sensitive to other seniors on the street,” commented Joe.

Miss Mary stayed with Breakthrough for a little over a year, bringing out smiles and laughter in guests, staff, and volunteers. We were able to connect Miss Mary with the Department of Aging who helped her find a temporary place to stay at a shelter for seniors while they assisted Miss Mary in locating an apartment where she can stay indefinitely. Miss Mary brought light into our ministry, and though we were happy that we could help her find a new home, she will be missed. We are confident she will be a messenger of hope wherever God directs her.

How did you first become involved with Breakthrough (BT)?
I was enrolled at Malcolm X College and looking for work. A woman from Joshua Missionary Baptist Church told me about BT and that they were hiring. I planned just to work here for three months. When those few months were about up, I found myself in an interview with Arloa. I was so nervous, but Arloa hired me right then to continue on. Those three months turned into five years!

What is the most important thing you have learned while at BT?
We don’t transform people. God does. For a long time, I got discouraged when women would come and go from Breakthrough…sometimes multiple times. I used to cry a lot…worrying about the women and wanting to help them. I learned that things happen in God’s time – not mine. Many women do find success.

What has been one of your biggest challenges while working at BT?
Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse so I could help people. Over time, I’ve come to realize that God has a different plan for my life. I can help people in many different ways, including here at Breakthrough.

What do you like most about working at BT?
I like being relational. I try to get to know the women by name, make them feel at home and help them learn to trust me. I think it’s important to socialize with the women without trying to obtain information from them.

Is there a particular guest that has had a lasting impact on you?
The older, senior ladies always touch my heart. It’s tough to see them here at this stage in their lives. I often wonder where their families are and why they aren’t helping. Still, I’m glad to have the opportunity to minister to them.

What are your goals for the Dwelling Place?
I want to create a compassionate, God-filled atmosphere. I want the women to experience a peaceful home away from home where relationships can be built.

Is there a Bible verse that best describes why you do what you do?
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

Ticket Price: $10

Starfish Studios, a filmmaking organization, began a partnership with Breakthrough this past year. Several of our students participate in filmmaking workshops, Biblical teaching and mentoring relationships. The students' movie will premiere at Jacob Beidler School, a local elementary school.