Three-year-old Jamorion loves coming to school at Breakthrough Urban Ministries' Beginners Program. But it has been a challenge for his mother to get him there. "Once his family moved out of the neighborhood, Jamorion's attendance dropped off," says Beginner's Coordinator, Lisa Gwin. "It was important for his development to be in this environment, so we talked with his mother to try and find a solution."

Jamorion's mother, Tonisha, wanted her son to be involved, but she didn't have a vehicle or the extra funds for public transportation. It was already a struggle for her to attend GED classes. "A staff member volunteered to pick up Jamorion for the remainder of last year," says Lisa. "This year, we were able to make bus passes available to Tonisha so that she could bring him here."

The Beginners Program, an early childhood education program for children ages 3-5, has impacted Jamorion’s life in big ways. "For a few hours each week, Jamorion has a safe, nurturing environment where he can enjoy being a kid," says Lisa. "He is challenged in positive ways and has learned to sit still and interact positively with the other kids." Lisa admits that it has been a long process, which speaks to the importance of having children involved for the long-term.

As they do with all the students' parents, Breakthrough staff has worked hard to get to know Tonisha. "She is a young mother without a lot of resources," says Lisa, "so we encourage her to continue with GED classes and to take advantage of case management and other opportunities like employment training through the Women's Services Program."

"Tonisha wants an education for her children and for herself," says Youth and Family Services Director, Marcie Curry. "Jamorion's involvement here will help provide him with social skills and an environment that is literacy-rich." She continues, "It's a great example of how we can partner with families to turn their children into life long readers who bring positive change into their community."

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Kimberly Allison is a Program Assistant with the Breakthrough Beginners Program, an early childhood education program for children ages 3-5. Three of her children are involved in  academic and sports programs at Breakthrough.

How did you come to work for Breakthrough?
One of my kids got involved in Breakthrough's sports leagues. I saw how excited he was about it, so I started going to games and volunteering my time in the after-school program. I was just amazed at the great things they were doing! Then one day, Marcie Curry asked me if I'd consider working with the Beginners. I was happy to accept!

What have you learned while working here?
The staff members treat each other like family. I have learned so much from Lisa [Gwin, Beginners Coordinator]. I watch what she does and take notes. She motivates me. I love working with the kids. They are all so different, and they are honest--they don't hold back! The Beginners Program is so important for them. At an age where many of them are scared, it helps them learn to interact with other kids and gives them that head start that they need. I wish I'd had something like that when I was their age.

How has working here--and having your own children involved here--affected you?
After working with the Beginners, I've been inspired to go back to school for a degree in Early Childhood Education. I'm in my second semester now. It's really hard, but I love it! My youngest three children are in Breakthrough's after-school and sports programs. It's like a home away from home for them. They were so quiet and withdrawn before they became involved here, but that has changed. They do well and really enjoy it. My daughter is a "mayor", a student leader in Breakthrough's after-school program, and I've noticed her really step up to the responsibility.

Wes Kott from Private Bank and Nancy Hall, Development Director at Breakthrough.

Thanks to Private Bank for their charitable gift of $5,000 to support the employment program for homeless adults at Breakthrough Urban Ministries. Over the past year, 45 adults who engaged in the employment program were successful in securing jobs. Generous support from the Private Bank since 2002 has made a positive difference in the lives of many seeking stability through employment.