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Johneisha and Johnetta are mayors and role models in the community.
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Young Leaders Expand Their Skills At Breakthrough
Like youngsters everywhere, the children in East Garfield Park look up to the high school students in their neighborhood. Unfortunately, many sell drugs or are involved in gangs. Some have dropped out of school or skip classes, and some are sexually active. There are, however, several positive role models who are concerned for the young children in their community. And many of them are involved at Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
Johnetta and Joneisha are two of these young community leaders. The sisters are "mayors" in Breakthrough's "Earn While You Learn" Program, one aspect of the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program. Although this is the first year that they have been involved at Breakthrough, both young ladies already had many useful skills and a good sense of responsibility. Now, they are able to further develop these abilities and put them into practice on a regular basis. Each of this year's seven mayors is assigned an age group of students that they are responsible for during after-school activities. Their main duties include tutoring and peer mediation.
"Johnetta is the mayor of a very tough group," says 6-12th grade Academic Coordinator, Seth El-Jamal. "The 8th graders she leads are at the age where they think they are 'too cool' to learn and do well in school. But Johnetta knows when to apply a bit of positive peer pressure, and when things are going well in the group, she encourages them."
According to Seth, Joneisha also has a tough group to lead. "She has the 5th graders," he says. "They still like learning, but it's a lot harder for them to sit still. Joneisha's strength is her consistency. She does a lot of juggling to make sure that the needs of everyone in her group are met." Ten year old Ashley is one of the younger girls tutored by Johneisha. "She is always here for us and talks to us about good things," she says. "She is someone I look up to."
The girls are raised by their grandmother, Bettye Sherrod. She is grateful for the opportunities they are exposed to. "It's nice that the girls can earn their own money," she says. "They can treat themselves to things that young girls like." She adds, "Breakthrough is a safe place for the girls, and I am so thankful that they put an emphasis on the same Christian principles that I've tried to teach."
CLICK HERE to make an online donation to the program.
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| Gynger Garcia is a Reading Specialist for the
Youth & Family Services Program. She has a Bachelor's Degree in
Elementary Education and has been on staff since September 2007. |
What makes you passionate and hopeful about the Youth & Family Services Program?
It's amazing to see and be part of such a strongly unified youth program. The Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program teaches students better reading strategies and skills. We really focus on helping them overcome reading hurdles through reading workshops, language arts games, blogging, homework help, and the use of our educational software called Orchard Gold. Breakthrough is becoming more and more of a central place for student academic achievement. We see students making huge progress this school year, and that gives us hope. Our sports programs and Bible Study nights allow students an extended opportunity for growth and completes a well-rounded package.
What are your goals for young readers at Breakthrough?
Aside from our literacy goals, I would love to see our young readers increase their confidence, awareness and interest in reading. Many students lack confidence and motivation because they are early in the process of learning literacy skills. Other students have never been exposed to a print rich environment and aren’t aware of various types of books, genres and authors.
How can volunteers and donors help with these goals?
We love and appreciate our volunteers here at Breakthrough, and we can always use more. Many students here really need one on one attention, so more help can make a difference. We also love and appreciate our donors. Thanks to them, we've received many great resources for our youth. Our neighborhood youth deserve to have the same resources and opportunities as young people everywhere, and as we continue to grow and expand our programs, volunteer and donor help will be more important than ever.
CLICK HERE to make an online donation.
For more information on volunteering, contact Volunteer Directors, Ann or Dave Healing, at 773.722.1144 x271 or volunteer@breakthroughministries.com.
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Thanks to the Breakthrough basketball and volleyball coaches for a fun winter season!
The volunteers were: Dave Brecheisen, Tene Buckner, Shasta Cole, Bill Curry, Marcie Curry, Tim Davis, Sara Downs, Doug Ferguson, Rusty Funk, Brandon Green, Kevin Gwin, Jen Hamner, Matt Harris, Ann Healing, Craig Hoffman, Andrea Jensen, Mark Shepherd, Rayna Stewart, Sonja Stewart, Mariko Tinaya, Marcus Turner Sr. and Ryan Westrom.
Interested in coaching a summer or fall sport? Upcoming sports include T-ball, baseball, soccer and football. For more information, contact Volunteer Directors, Ann or Dave Healing at 773.722.1144 x271 or volunteer@breakthroughministries.com. |
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Dr. Arloa Sutter, Founder and Executive Director
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Growing Leaders
As I looked around the room at our last Staff Development Day I was moved by the quality of our staff. Our Interim Housing Director, Yolanda Fields, was leading a workshop on Conflict Resolution. I acknowledged there was no way I could do what she was doing. She was operating in her area of giftedness. In the midst of being pregnant with her second child and raising a two year old, she has found time to lead our Interim Housing staff with excellence.
Throughout the room I noted other staff members who are thriving in their roles, growing personally and spiritually. I love to watch people grow. It starts with us. In turn, we see men and women in our adult ministries and children in our youth and family programs growing into their God given potential.
I am also privileged to know many donors and volunteers who are growing in their understanding of the complicated issues of poverty and are finding meaning in their lives through their participation in this movement of God called Breakthrough. I pray that you are blessed by the ministry of Breakthrough as you acknowledge the miraculous work of God in all of our lives. Together, through our own unique gifts, we are the arms of Christ reaching out in love.
Bill Curry is a dynamic leader who has emerged from within the Breakthrough family. We are excited to announce that he has been promoted to the role of Breakthrough's Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Bill assumes responsibility for all of the internal operations of the ministry. Please join us in praying for God to fortify him with wisdom, strength and courage.
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Behind the Scenes Tour
Monday, May 5 from 6-7 pm
Breakthrough Joshua Center
Please join us for an exciting Behind The Scenes Tour of life at Breakthrough!
CLICK HERE for more information.
To reserve a spot, call 773.722.1144 x282 or email tour@breakthroughministries.com.
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Hunger Walk
Saturday, June 14 from 8:30-11:30 am
Montrose Harbor
Fun for the whole family! Support Breakthrough's Food Services Program by walking with us at Montrose Harbor.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, June 21
Come celebrate our community and the new Breakthrough Ministry Center! Join us for food, music, games for the kids, activities for youth and adults, and tours of the facility.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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Annual Benefit ‘08
Friday, November 7 at 6:30 pm
Hyatt Regency, O’Hare
Save the date for this fall’s exciting Annual Benefit Dinner! Hear guest speaker Erwin McManus, special musical performances and a challenging message from Dr. Arloa Sutter.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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