“You can't fool an old man . . .”

It was over a year before Octaviano could get the operation he required.  Then the insurance company began withholding his checks.  Eventually his landlord kicked him out because he could not pay the rent.  A friend let him sleep in his garage.  "I wanted to keep my independence," explained Octaviano.  He came to Breakthrough to take a shower and eat lunch. 

Times got worse for Octaviano.  He needed to move out of his friend's garage.  He came to Breakthrough seeking shelter and help.  "I am 65 years old.  I want to keep working," Octaviano said.  At Breakthrough he found respect and kindness.  "I found real human beings here who treated me as a fellow human being.  They gave me all they could."

Today, Breakthrough is providing Octaviano with food, shelter, referrals and various services to help him get back on his own, but his favorite thing is the devotion time from 11 to 12 each weekday morning.   

"It is a time when we discuss topics and express our opinions.  I can tell my feelings are respected.  We share, learn, teach each other and interact freely.  They make me feel like I am doing them a favor to be here.  You can’t fool an old man.  I can see beyond masks.  I see the staff members here live out what they say."

Octaviano currently is part of our Men’s Services program that is reaching out to over 50 men each day providing a wide range of services including shelter, devotions, employment training, and supportive housing.

Becky Medlyn, Case Manager for Men's Services program

Becky Medlyn spent 25 years working as a legal secretary with constant pressures and deadlines.  "Then one day, I just couldn’t do it anymore," explains Becky.  She quit her secure job, and waited for God to open the doors to show her how He wanted to use her.

First, she just took some time off; then found a job walking dogs.  As she began to experience God’s peace and quiet in her life, she realized God may have something special for her to do.  She shared her thoughts with her Bible study group, "I need a job."  Two days later, she spoke to her pastor who said, "I think I may know of a job for you.  Breakthrough Urban Ministries is looking for help."

"It was a God-thing," adds Becky.  For the last two years, Becky has been involved in our Men’s Services program.  She began as a Center Assistant and just recently transitioned to Case Manager. Currently, she's taking classes in case management as she seeks to grow in her new role.

"The work here requires tough love," comments Becky, "but there is nothing to compare when you watch the guys get a job, or find housing, or see them gain an insight into God's truth.  My work here at Breakthrough is my opportunity to give back to God."

Becky is looking forward to the transition to the new Breakthrough Ministry Center where the Men's Services program will be strengthened.

A Special Word of Thanks to Our Walkers

Executive Director, Arloa Sutter

"I have been praying for a Beacon of Light in the Community . . ."

By Arloa Sutter

When Breakthrough Urban Ministries opened the Joshua Center in East Garfield Park, one of the school principals in the area told me, "I have been praying for a beacon of light in the community."  Today God is answering her prayers.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony in June signaled to the community that we are claiming East Garfield Park as our permanent home.  Our vision is ultimately to work from three locations in the neighborhood: one for Women's Services, one for Men's Services and one for Youth & Family Services.

As I think back on the history of Breakthrough, God has always provided through miracles along the way . . . both big and small.  From door handles, coats, and even a van, God always supplied our needs.  Then God provided a huge gift of $500,000 through the generosity of one of our former guests named Irving Wasserman. 

Right now, I am feeling we need another miracle.  To complete the purchase and renovation of our new Breakthrough Ministry Center in East Garfield Park, God graciously provided $3.5 million toward the $5 million goal through the generosity of our supporters.  Last March, we received notification from The Kresge Foundation that we were awarded a $400,000 challenge grant.  The guidelines stipulated that this is an all-or-nothing grant.  We must raise the final $1.1 million by March 2007, or we forfeit the grant dollars.

Will you please join me in asking God for a miracle to provide those funds by the end of October – five months ahead of schedule?  The completion of the funding for that project will allow us to move ahead in the next phase of our vision in addressing the needs of the youth and families in the community. 

Please pray with me.  And if God lays it on your heart to give toward the project, please call me or Nancy Hall at 773.722.1144, extension 290 or email me at asutter@breakthroughministries.com  You can also make a gift online by clicking here.

Friday, October 20 - 2006 Annual Benefit

SAVE THE DATE to attend our Annual Benefit on Friday, October 20 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago!  This year's event will feature guest speaker, Dr. Joseph Stowell, Teacher Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel, the Breakthrough Youth Choir, and Von Matthews & Proclaim.

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