The Breakthrough Difference: Staff Create A Welcoming Place
For Guests
At the end of a long day, most of us look forward to coming home, including the
guests in Breakthrough's Men's Services Program. Some men work at jobs around
the city. Others look for work, going on interviews and spending time improving
their skills. For men who are homeless, days can be long. "My feet get tired,"
says one man. "I spend a lot of time trying to find somewhere warm to duck in
out of the cold."
When evening comes, Breakthrough staff does their best to create a nice place
for guests to spend the end of their day. "We get here an hour early to prepare
the space," says Overnight Coordinator, Eddie Sturgis. "We make sure the center
is clean," he says, "and that there are fresh towels and bed linens. If the
evening meal hasn't been prepared, then we warm the food and get things ready
for dinner."
Small details make a big difference.
"Basically, we treat people how we'd like to be treated," say Eddie.
"Since the guys pre-register during the day, they don't have to stand in a long
line to get in." says Eddie. "We have a pot of hot coffee ready, and maybe a
little something to snack on. During bad weather, we open up a little early."
After a hot, nutritious, meal guests relax and spend their evening catching up
with the other guys, reading the paper or watching movies. Staff members also
offer a devotional time for those who wish to participate. "A lot of guys work
during the day and have to leave early in the morning, so they like to eat and
then go right to bed," says Eddie.
He and the other staff look forward to moving into the Breakthrough Ministry
Center. "We've been blessed to stay at First Free, but it will be nice to have
our own space," Eddie says. "The guys will have real beds instead of mats on
the floor. There will be a lot more room, more showers, more bathrooms and more
privacy." He adds, "The new building will allow us to provide an even better
place for guys to come home to."
CLICK HERE
to read more about the new Breakthrough Ministry Center.
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