Men's BIG Serve 2012

The Men's BIG Serve happened this past Thursday and we had a great turnout! The guests staying at the men's center enjoyed steak & shrimp served restaurant-style from some pretty awesome volunteers! The volunteers helped with serving, food donations and money donations to help with the cost of groceries.

The BIG serves have become a highlight for many of the guests at Breakthrough - many made a point to pull volunteers aside to thank them for the "best food ever" and a few even wrote thank you notes - but also for several of the volunteers that come out each year. Thanks again for the great response and awesome volunteers! You're the best!

the awesome volunteers - from Willow Chicago, Willow Barrington, Soul City and Breakthrough YP Board

I snagged this photo from Breakthrough's FB page, but I'm sure they won't mind. Doesn't our serving group look amazing?! Love this group and their big hearts!  :)

Email - Volunteer Updates - December 2012

Greetings, Wonderful Breakthrough Volunteers!
Happy December 1st to you! We're still waiting for our newest family member to join us, but he should be born very soon. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we adjust to life with another little one.  (And thank you!)

As we approach the Christmas Season, we've got some great opportunities for getting involved with volunteering at Breakthrough and even for inviting others to come and serve with you - the BIG Serves and the Christmas Store are both right around the corner. Read on and let me know if you can help out. 

DECEMBER MEAL OPPORTUNITIES - BIG SERVES 2012

BIG SERVES - DECEMBER 2012
The BIG serves are our annual Holiday themed meals that we serve at the Men's and Women's facilities every year. They require lots of planning, work, volunteers and financial donations to make them happen. Here are the dates for this year's serving opps:

• Men's BIG Serve - Thursday, 12/13. Typically served restaurant style. Complete with hostess and menus - we need lots of volunteers for the kitchen staff, wait staff and clean up. We need help setting up and even if you can't make it, we need financial contributions for groceries for the main meals. 
• Women's BIG Serve - Friday, 12/21. In previous years, we've had crafts, like decorating cookies or making cards. We're thinking about making beaded jewelry with the women this year that they can keep or give as a gift. We need volunteers to help with food prep and crafts. 

As I mentioned, we need lots of volunteers to make these events happen. The goal is to truly bless the guests with delicious food and festive fun. Consider being a part of this year's BIG serves - one or both. It's a great way to give back and meet some like-minded individuals who

CHRISTMAS STORE 2012
Breakthrough is hosting it's annual Christmas Store again this year. If you haven't seen the store yet, it's stocked by donations from local churches and supporters and allows those staying at Breakthrough and residents in the community to purchase gifts for their families (providing the opportunity for dignity) at discounted rates and for some, using Breakthrough Bucks. Follow this link for more information on this year's Christmas Store.

Every year, it takes several volunteers and tons of gift donations to make the Christmas Store a success. If you'd like to donate items to the Christmas Store, they need to be delivered to the Breakthrough Ministry Center (402 N St. Louis Ave) by Wednesday, December 12th. You can either drop them off yourself or have them shipped there (if shopping online). See below for the gift wish list and the official Amazon wish list to get ideas of what to purchase for the store.

Gift Wish List
• Underwear, socks and slippers
• Winter coats and boots
• Hats, gloves, scarves
• Foot and hand wamers
• Toys, games, Play-Doh sets, Legos
• Nerf basketball hoops
• Children’s movies
• Electronics: mp3 players and iPods
• Sports balls and equipment

Click on the link below to download the complete Wish List:

ChristmasStoreWishList.pdf

You can also check out our Amazon Wish List.

Don will be helping out at the Christmas Store's hospitality table this year. If you'd like to help volunteer, just let us know. :)

DREAM BIG - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Breakthrough has been working on a campaign to make a huge difference in the lives of people living in Garfield Park by building the FamilyPlex - providing safe places to work out, go to community classes and even receive quality, affordable medical care by partnering with Lawndale Christian Health Center. For more information on the campaign, including status updates, and to see how you can get involved,click here.

  
BLOG
Don't forget - you can follow along with updates, news and other opportunities on our blog.  It lists upcoming serving dates and other ways to get involved at Breakthrough Urban Ministries too.

Thanks everyone! Hope to see you soon!

Christmas Store 2012 - Amazon Wish List

Greetings, wonderful Breakthrough Volunteers! It's time again for Breakthrough's annual Christmas Store! I received an email from one of the lovely staffers at Breakthrough explaining the Christmas Store and why it is so important. This email does such a great job explaining everything, that I decided to pass it along. You can also find information for the Christmas Store on Breakthrough's website here: http://www.breakthrough.org/general/197/2012-christmas-store.

If you'd like to donate items to this year's Christmas Store, you can view the Amazon wish list here: http://amzn.com/w/M9CY87JJPM5I. Donations of gifts are needed, in addition to donations of wrapping paper and other gift wrap supplies. All donations must be dropped off between 9AM-9PM at the Breakthrough Ministry Center (402 N St. Louis) by Wednesday, December 12th.

Hello Friends and Family!

 

As the Christmas season is now in full swing, I wanted to share with you an opportunity that is near and dear to my heart. Breakthrough (the non-profit that I work for) each year hosts something called "The Christmas Store", where families in our 60624 zip code can sign up for time-slots to purchase Christmas gifts 70-80% off retail value. Unlike other opportunities where one can "adopt a family or child" to give Christmas gifts to, Breakthrough tries to strengthen the already existing family, allowing parents and grandparents the dignity of providing quality Christmas gifts for their children. When Christmas day comes, their children, friends and family are therefore able to look at them as providers, and having made a sacrifice on behalf of their family rather than some unknown stranger, family, etc.

 

In order for Breakthrough to make "The Christmas Store" possible, we ask family, friends, and supporters of Breakthrough to donate these gifts on behalf of the community members. Breakthrough is able to then sell these gifts at the reduced price, and then all proceeds from the store, are poured right back into the ministry allowing us to provide Christmas food baskets, and other services.

 

I am therefore reaching out to you all, as purchasing a gift from the Christmas Store would be a wonderful way to support what is already happening here at Breakthrough.  A list of Community suggested pre-selected items can be found here http://amzn.com/w/M9CY87JJPM5I or by going to amazon.com, clicking on wish list and typing in Breakthrough Urban Ministries. This year we hope to service over 500 families in our Christmas store with your help!

 

Thanks, everyone! I hope you're able to help make this year's Christmas Store a blessing in someone's life.

Love and Hugs -
A

Email - Volunteer Updates - November 2012

Sorry for the delay in posting this month's email newsletter. There's lots going on this month as we gear up for the Holidays - there's plenty of ways to get involved and learn more about the many ministries of Breakthrough Urban Ministries.

Greetings, Wonderful Breakthrough Volunteers! Welcome to November.  :)
As we approach the holidays this year, we've got some great opportunities for getting involved and even for inviting others to come and serve with you. Read on and let me know if you can help out. 

As we prepare for our newest little baby (due 11/28), we were considering maybe not doing our BIG serves this year in December. But as we prayed about it, several groups inquired if we were doing it again this year and if they could help out. What an answer to prayer!  A huge thanks to our faithful volunteers and friends. Read more about the BIG Serves below. And if you have a small group or group of friends looking for a serving opportunity, we still need plenty of help - just drop me a line and let me know.

 

NOVEMBER MEAL OPPORTUNITIES

Here are the details for the meal serving op this month:

• MEN'S SERVE - Thursday, November 8th - meet at 6:30 at 402 N St. Louis Ave, serve dinner at 8, clean-up and out the door by roughly 9. Don is the lead for this meal.
• Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center) - Friday, November 16th. Meet at the Joshua Center (3330 W Carrol Ave) at 7 PM. Usually done with meal serving by 9 PM. Rachel is the lead for this meal.

As always, just let me know if you can make it to serve a meal so I can reserve a spot for you. Also - all volunteers need to fill out a Volunteer Application - let me know if you need one. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

BIG SERVES - DECEMBER 2012The BIG serves (mentioned in the intro paragraph) are our annual Holiday themed meals that we serve at the Men's and Women's facilities every year. They require lots of planning, work, volunteers and financial donations to make them happen. Here are the dates for this year's serve:

• Men's BIG Serve - Thursday, 12/13. Typically served restaurant style. Complete with hostess and menus - we need lots of volunteers for the kitchen staff, wait staff and clean up. We need help setting up and even if you can't make it, we need financial contributions for groceries for the main meals. 
• Women's BIG Serve - Friday, 12/21. In previous years, we've made ornaments, decorated cookies (we had a guest one year told us she had never decorated a cookie before - something I take for granted), and even made cards. We're thinking about making beaded jewelry with the women this year that they can keep or give as a gift. We need volunteers to help with food prep and crafts. 

As I mentioned, we need lots of volunteers to make these events happen. The goal is to truly bless the volunteers with delicious food and festive fun. Consider being a part of this year's BIG serves - one or both - and if you have a group looking for a serving opportunity - these are the perfect events!

CHRISTMAS STORE 2012
Breakthrough is hosting it's annual Christmas Store again this year. If you haven't seen the store yet, it's stocked by donations from local churches and families and allows those staying at Breakthrough and residents in the community to purchase gifts for their families (providing the opportunity for dignity) at discounted rates and for some, using Breakthrough Bucks. Follow this link for more information on this year's Christmas Store and for some ideas on how you can get involved and gather some donations for the store.  

DREAM BIG - CAPITAL CAMPAIGNBreakthrough has been working on a campaign to make a huge difference in the lives of people living in Garfield Park by building the FamilyPlex - providing safe places to work out, go to community classes and even receive quality, affordable medical care by partnering with Lawndale Christian Health Center. For more information on the campaign, including status updates, and to see how you can get involved,click here.

  
BLOGDon't forget - you can follow along with updates, news and other opportunities on our blog.  It lists upcoming serving dates and other ways to get involved at Breakthrough Urban Ministries, like the 40 Days of Discernment prayer initiative on Facebook.

Thanks everyone! Hope to see you soon!
Love and Hugs!

Annual Benefit 2012 Recap & 40 Days of Discernment

The Annual Benefit Dinner was a wonderful event. It was great to see so many familiar faces and the Breakthrough youth choir was by far one of the highlights of the entire evening. (They really rocked it!)  ;)
At the Benefit, we were able to hear stories about many of the lives that Breakthrough has impacted throughout the organization, from a child in their preschool program that has been able to thrive under their care (and his parents too) to a at-one-point homeless woman who was able to find gainful employment and a caring network which helped her get back on her feet and all the ways Breakthrough Urban Ministries offers ministry to East Garfield Park and the surrounding community 24/7. Manuel Scott was a powerful speaker as well - and did I mention there were chocolate covered strawberries at every table? If you weren't able to make it this year, you can still donate online here. And remember to block your calendars early for next year's event. It's always worth the drive out to O'Hare.  ;)

As you may know, Breakthrough is working on a DreamBig campaign to raise funds for a 16 million dollar building in East Garfield Park that they're calling the FamilyPlex. This building will provide much-needed space in the community for everything from quality daycare, health services (partnering with Lawndale Christian Health Center) and fitness center facilities. Learn more about the FamilyPlex building and plans - and even donate to the project - by clicking here.

What you may not know is that although Breakthrough has been able to raise 13.4 million of the 16.5 million required (81%) to make the dream of the FamilyPlex a reality, they've been waiting on the last 3.1 million for awhile. And they're taking the next 40 days to pray and gain some discernment about what they should do next. Enter "40 Days of Discernment". This is a Facebook-based devotional and daily prayer time created to ask Breakthrough supporters to join in on these next steps. Here's some more info on 40 Days of Discernment.

To get involved, just:

1.) Visit facebook.com/Breakthrough40Days and click LIKE

2.) Keep an eye out for our daily posts in your feed. We'll be sharing prayers and stories regarding the FamilyPlex every day for 40 days straight.

3.) Please comment and tell us how you feel about the posts! We welcome opinions, suggestions for the plan and returned prayers.

4.) Ideally, make it point to visit the page every day so that you can be a part of the full experience.  

Thanks, everyone for your love and support of Breakthrough Urban Ministries and all the good work they're doing to love and serve our brothers and sisters in East Garfield Park.

Annual Benefit Dinner Keynote Speaker - Manuel Scott

Greetings, Breakthrough Volunteers -


Don't forget that the Annual Benefit Dinner is this Friday, 10/19! It's not too late to register for this fun event - just click here.
Below is some more information on one of the keynote speakers at the dinner, Manuel Scott. Even if you can't make it to the dinner, you can learn more about his inspiring story. You can also contribute to Breakthrough and their Dream Big compaign online here.
Thanks, everyone! Hope to see you Friday! :)
A
____________________________________________________________________________


Hello, benefit attendees!

Isn’t it nice to know a little bit about someone before you meet them? Well, lucky you! Before you hear our speaker Manuel Scott at the benefit on Friday, there are 3 easy ways to find out more about his role as one of the original Freedom Writers.

1.) Read Breakthrough’s story on Manuel Scott: http://bit.ly/V6SNJ9

2.) Watch the movie based on his experience, entitled "Freedom Writers." It's available for Netflix users at http://nflx.it/T0h85V and searchable from your local Blockbuster at http://bit.ly/Wn0fVy

3.) Visit Manuel’s website: www.manuelvscott.com

Can't wait to see you there!

Email - Volunteer Updates - October 2012

Greetings, Wonderful Breakthrough Volunteers!

 

Did you know this is Breakthrough's 20th Anniversary? Help us celebrate by joining in the Annual Benefit Dinner on Friday, 10/19. Register today by clicking on this link.

 

And here are the regular volunteer updates for this month - take a minute or two to review the upcoming meal-serving opportunity for this month, as well as information for the DREAM BIG capital campaign and more details for the upcoming Annual Benefit Dinner. I hope to see you soon!

 

OCTOBER MEAL OPPORTUNITY
Here are the details for the meal serving op this month:

• NO MEN'S SERVE THIS MONTH - We've been moving our household and preparing for Baby 2 - need to take a break from the meal-leading this month. But we should be back in fine style for next month's serve (pending baby 2's arrival, of course)
• Friday, October 19th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center). Rachel will continue to take the lead for this meal. Meet at the Joshua Center (3330 W Carrol Ave) at 7 PM. Usually done with meal serving by 9 PM.

As always, just let me know if you can make it to serve a meal so I can reserve a spot for you. Also - all volunteers need to fill out a Volunteer Application - let me know if you need one. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

 

DREAM BIG - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Breakthrough has been working on a campaign to make a huge difference in the lives of people living in Garfield Park by building the FamilyPlex - providing safe places to work out, go to community classes and even receive quality, affordable medical care by partnering with Lawndale Christian Health Center. For more information on the campaign, including status updates, and to see how you can get involved, click here.

 

ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER
Friday, October 19th is the officially official date for this year's Annual Benefit Dinner. Mark your calendars and save the date! The theme for this year's benefit dinner is "Building on a Solid Foundation" and will feature Freedom Writer, Manuel Scott, and the Executive Director of Breakthrough, Arloa Sutter. Don & I will be there and would love to see you! For more information on this year's benefit dinner and to register, click here.

Annual Benefit Dinner is soon - Fri, 10/19! Register today!

I'm sharing a link to the official Sept/Oct e-newsletter from Breakthrough. This edition of the enewsletter has some exciting details about the upcoming Annual Benefit Dinner and an excerpt from Breakthrough's leader, Arloa Sutter:

There is much excitement in the air as we prepare for our biggest event of the year, the Breakthrough Annual Benefit, on Oct. 19. It is going to be amazing. We have a dynamic speaker, Manuel Scott, one of the original Freedom Writers. Here is a link to a sample of his speaking.
We are creating a video that will give an overview of all that happens at Breakthrough everyday. Twenty-four hours of the day, 365 days of the year, our doors are open and our staff and volunteers are here, extending the warmth of God’s love and providing a myriad of supportive services and educational opportunities for our students and guests. You will be inspired and challenged.

If you can’t be with us for the benefit, we will miss you, but don’t worry. You can still contribute here! We will put every penny to work on behalf of the people who come to us everyday.

On another note, we are seeking prayer warriors who will join us for “40 Days of Discernment” Oct. 22-Nov. 30. We are going to use this time to listen to God and to one another and to seek God’s will regarding how best to proceed with our plans to create space for preschool, health and education initiatives in the Breakthrough FamilyPlex. Please send me an email, asutter@breakthrough.org, if you would like to learn more. We welcome your feedback and partnership.

Arloa wrote a bit about the Annual Benefit Dinner in this latest newsletter. It's taking place this year on October 19th and promises to be a very inspirational night. The Bratschies are planning to be there and hope you can make it too!


Thanks, everyone! See you at the Benefit!
A

(ps - the monthly email will be out shortly. don't worry - you haven't missed it yet.)

(pps - Don & I aren't hosting a table this year, but we will be there! Let us know if you're going so we can look for you!)

October 2012 Men's Serve Cancelled

Greetings, Lovely Breakthrough blog readers -
Just a quick note to let everyone know we won't be able to lead the men's serve for Thursday, October 11th. However, we should be back in fine style for the November meal - Thursday, November 8th. (Pending the newest Baby Bratchie's arrival, of course). I'll remind everyone in the October monthly email, but wanted to send a quick note to the loyal blog readers first.

Love and Hugs!

Email - Volunteer Updates - September 2012

Greetings, Wonderful Breakthrough Volunteers!

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone! I hope you get some time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.  Here are the updates for this month - take a minute or two to review the upcoming meal-serving opportunities, as well as information for the DREAM BIG capital campaign and the upcoming annual benefit dinner. I hope to see you soon!

SEPTEMBER MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, September 13th - Men's Facility
• Friday, September 21st - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)

As always, just let me know if you can make it to serve a meal so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

DREAM BIG - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Breakthrough has been working on a campaign to make a huge difference in the lives of people living in Garfield Park by building the FamilyPlex - providing safe places to work out, go to community classes and even receive quality, affordable medical care by partnering with Lawndale Christian Health Center. For more information on the campaign, including status updates, and to see how you can get involved, click here.

ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER
Friday, October 19th is the officially official date for this year's Annual Benefit Dinner. Mark your calendars and save the date! The theme for this year's benefit dinner is "building on a solid foundation" and will feature Freedom Writer, Manuel Scott, and the Executive Director of Breakthrough, Arloa Sutter. Don & I will be there and would love to see you! For more information on this year's benefit dinner and to register, click here.

Love and Hugs -

Amanda (&Don)

Annual Benefit 2012: Friday, 10/19 - Register TODAY!

Breakthorugh's Annual Benefit Dinner is just around the corner!  Friday, October 19th 6:30-9:00 PM. Register today for a great time and opportunity to help in the work Breakthrough is doing. Registration Link and more details are below!

 

If you have trouble reading this e-mail, please click here

Registration now open for Annual Benefit 2012!
Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Friday, October 19, 6:30-9:00pm

Breakthrough now operates at capacity 24/7 and your partnership is vital for us to continue serving thousands. Join us in celebrating 20 years of transformation to hope, health and opportunity for thousands of adults, youth and families. Register now, or sign up to host your own table.

Enjoy special guests, Manuel V. Scott & Rev. Charlie E. Dates along with a special appearance by the Breakthrough Youth Choir.

Email - Volunteer Updates - August 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!

Happy August, Everyone! It's a great month and temperatures are tempting us outdoors with promises of cooling off and having fun. Come and have some pretty cool fun with us this month while serving dinner to some people that need food and some caring conversation.

AUGUST MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, August 9th - Men's Facility
• Friday, August 17th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)

As always, just let me know if you can make it to serve a meal so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier. (Especially if you know how to and don't mind carving up a rotiserrie chicken for the Women's serve on 8/17...)

DREAM BIG - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Breakthrough has been working on a campaign to make a huge difference in the lives of people living in Garfield Park by building the FamilyPlex - providing safe places to work out, go to community classes and even receive quality, affordable medical care by partnering with Lawndale Christian Health Center. For more information on the campaign, including status updates, and to see how you can get involved, click here.

ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER

Friday, October 19th is the officially official date for this year's Annual Benefit Dinner. Mark your calendars and save the date! The theme for this year's benefit dinner is "building on a solid foundation" and will feature Freedom Writer, Manuel Scott, and the Executive Director of Breakthrough, Arloa Sutter. For more information on this year's benefit dinner and to register, click here.

Love and Hugs -

Amanda (&Don)

Email - Volunteer Updates - July 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!
The heat here has caused an inexcusable delay in sending out this month's updates. I hope you're all staying cool out there! ;)
And now, without further ado, Here's the updates for July.

JULY MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  
Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• NO MEN'S SERVE THIS MONTH - We're taking the month off to rest and recuperate. But we'll be back to our old serving ways in August...
  
• Friday, July 20th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)
  

As always, just let me know if you can make it to serve a meal so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

DREAM BIG - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Breakthrough has been working on a campaign to make a huge difference in the lives of people living in Garfield Park by building the FamilyPlex - providing safe places to work out, go to community classes and even receive quality, affordable medical care. For more information on the campaign, including status updates, and to see how you can get involved, click here.

ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER
Friday, October 19th is the officially official date for this year's Annual Benefit Dinner. Mark your calendars and save the date! Details are still pending, but it's sure to be a great time for all!


Love and Hugs -
Amanda (&Don)

Attention ALL Runners! - This Saturday, 6/9 - Run 13.1 and Donate Your Shoes!

Allstate® Life Insurance and ‘Give Your Sole’ are collecting moderately used athletic shoes before and after the Allstate Life Insurance℠ Chicago 13.1 Marathon®. To register for this worthwhile event, click here. You can also donate your light to moderately used race shoes at participating Fleet Feet Sports stores and at packet pickup before the race, or give the shoes right off your feet once you cross the finish line in exchange for a free pair of flip flops. (And honestly, who doesn't LOVE free flip flops?!)


All shoes collected in Chicago will be donated exclusively to Breakthrough and distributed to our interim housing guests and the youth sports running club, a gift with ‘soul’.

Not running? That’s ok too; you can still donate your shoes before or after the race. For more information or to register, just click here.

Email - Volunteer Updates - June 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!
Take a gander at some of the going-ons for the month of June and other upcoming events. We'd love to have you join us for a meal or two if you can make it!

JUNE MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  
Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, June 14th - Men's Facility - COOK OUT! We're heating up the grill for some delicious summer grilling fun & food. Bring your appetites if you plan on coming to this one!  :)
  
• Friday, June 15th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)
  

As always, just let me know if you can make it to one or both of the serving ops so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

27th ANNUAL HUNGER WALKJoin us for the 27th Annual Hunger Walk put on by the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Saturday, June 23rd. Registration is 7 AM, Step off is 8:30. More than 807,000 people in Cook County are food insecure, uncertain of where their next meal will come from. Join Breakthrough's walking team to raise awareness about hunger in our city and raise funds to provide fresh food for Breakthrough's interim housing guests. Already got plans? You can also sponsor a walker or support the Breakthrough team by making an online donation. Check out this site to sign up, donate or learn more.

Questions? Contact Tony Escobar at tescobar@breakthrough.org or 773.346.1705.

DREAM BIG - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Breakthrough has been working on a campaign to make a huge difference in the lives of people living in Garfield Park by building the FamilyPlex - providing safe places to work out, go to community classes and even receive quality, affordable medical care. For more information on the campaign, including status updates, and to see how you can get involved, click here.

ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER
Friday, October 19th is the officially official date for this year's Annual Benefit Dinner. Mark your calendars and save the date! Details are still pending, but it's sure to be a great time for all!

NEED FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS?
Trying to figure out what to get for the dad that has everything? How about making a difference in his honor by "buying" something from the Breakthrough Gift Catalog? Now, you can choose a gift that will help transform the lives of the youth, families and adults at Breakthrough. With choices for everything from meals to sports to tutoring, you're sure to find something perfect for the dad in your life. And just in time for Father's Day too! (Father's Day is Sunday, June 17th.)

Hunger Walk 2012

It's that time of year again. the Greater Chicago Food Depository will be having their annual Hunger Walk at Solider Field! Help Breakthrough raise funds for our Fresh Market and daily meal service! Keep the date: June 23rd. More details to come!

Email - Volunteer Updates - May 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!
Take a gander at some of the going-ons for the month of May. We'd love to have you join us for a meal or two!

MAY MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  
Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, May 10th - Men's Facility
  
• Friday, May 18th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)
  

As always, just let me know if you can make it to one or both of the serving ops so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER
Friday, October 19th is the officially official date for this year's Annual Benefit Dinner. Mark your calendars and save the date! Details are still pending, but it's sure to be a great time for all!

EVEN MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Cooking ain't your thing? Your schedule is never free to come serve with us? Or maybe you're just sick of seeing the same smug mugs in the Breakthrough kitchen? Well, fear not, dedicated volunteers! Breakthrough has a plethora of ways for you to get involved! Just click on this link and follow it to something that interests you. There's lots to choose from: thrift store help to tutoring to coaching and even the fresh market. Wait are you waiting for? Get to clickin'! 

Wishlist Items

Breakthrough keeps a list of Needed Items on their website at this link. It lists everything from rugs to travel size deodorant. Take a quick look at the list and see you if might have anything on-hand just collecting dust that could be really useful to someone staying at Breakthrough.

Please keep in mind to donate new or like new items. If you wouldn't want to use it, chances are someone else won't want to either...

Email - Volunteer Updates - April 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!
See below for a couple of great opportunities to serve meals with us this month.  :)

APRIL MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  
Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, April 12th - Men's Facility
  
• Friday, April 20th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)
  

As always, just let me know if you can make it to one or both of the serving ops so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

Email - Volunteer Updates - March 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!
See below for a couple of great opportunities to serve meals with us this month.  :)

MARCH MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  
Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, March 8th - Men's Facility
  
• Friday, March 16th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)
  

As always, just let me know if you can make it to one or both of the serving ops so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

More Volunteer Opportunities

Not a foodie, but still want to volunteer at Breakthrough? No problem! There's lots of great new programs and opportunities for volunteering available at Breakthrough. Take a minute to read through the descriptions below and consider volunteering for any that sound like a good fit for you. Please contact Amy D., Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@breakthrough.org for the full position description or to apply. 

Community Group Leader, Breakthrough Adult Network

Community groups are small-group style meetings between guests in Breakthrough's Supportive Housing program (SHP) and 1-2 volunteers (Community Group Leader). Community groups meet once or twice per month at one of Breakthrough's 3 supportive housing locations to discuss Scripture, Christian literature, and fellowship. Community groups are a vital component to Breakthrough's work and provide a tangible way for volunteers to engage more deeply. Ongoing training and support provided, background check required.

Graphic Design Club Mentor, Breakthrough Youth Network

Graphic Design Club mentors inspire, teach, and encourage high school students in the Breakthrough Youth Network. Graphic Design Club mentors should be computer savvy, creative, love working with high school students, and have a willingness to live out Breakthrough’s mission to demonstrate the compassion of Christ by partnering with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills, and open doors of opportunity.

Math Club Coach, Breakthrough Youth Network

The B.A.S.E.S. program (Breakthrough Arts and Science Exploration Spaces) is expanding! The Math Club coach will help prepare middle school students for MATHCOUNTS competitions. The Math Club coach should be great with kids, enthusiastic about math problem solving, and available Fridays from 4:30-6 pm. 

Email - Volunteer Updates - February 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!
6 more weeks of winter got you down? Come on out and volunteer with us at Breakthrough to beat the blues! Our regular meal serving opportunities are back on schedule this month - so come on out and serve up some hot, delicious grub to some lovely guests at Breakthrough.

FEBRUARY MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  
Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, February 9th - Men's Facility
  No clue what the menu will be, but rest assured, it will be the delicious. And there might even be enough for volunteers after we make the late plates.
  
• Friday, February 17th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)
  I won't be able to make it to the women's serve this month - but you'll be in the very capable hands of volunteer extraordinaire, Rachel H. Again - no idea on menu yet, but there's still been that talk of soup, so ummm... maybe soup will be on the menu (for real this time)? We need people willing to lead a craft, lead worship (guitars or keyboard - bring your own) and helpers in the kitchen. Please let me know if you have a preference as to which task you'd like to undertake.
  

As always, just let me know if you can make it to one or both of the serving ops so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

Love and Hugs -
Amanda (&Don)

A Night of Fashion, Music & Hope

Seer Outfitters & Black Label Booking present

A Night of Fashion, Music &; Hope with BARCELONA

January 29th at the Double Door
Doors open at 6:30pm / Starts at 7:00pm

Barcelona's harmonious, piano-based rock exemplifies what music should be. Their thoughtful lyrics, unique stylings, song craft and live performance has brought them the attention of everyone from major labels to major motion pictures to thousands and thousands of fans across the country. They've agreed to lend their art and platform to us for the evening to support Seer Outfitters & Black Label Booking's efforts, raising awareness for a few local charities - Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Brown Elementary School and Life After Hate. Kyle Korver (Chicago Bulls #26) will also be on hand with his brother, Klayton Korver, to discuss the efforts of Seer Outfitters & the Kyle Korver Foundation and how they support a number of charities through Seer (a high-end t-shirt company that gives away 100% of its profit to charitable initiatives).

Supporting Barcelona will be two great emerging local bands:
- The Canes
- March of Morn

General Admission: $20

Some of the night's proceeds will go to benefit Breakthrough.
Get your tickets today!

Email - Volunteer Updates - January 2012

Greetings, lovely Breakthrough Volunteers!
If one of your new year's resolutions was to volunteer more, you're in luck! We have our monthly volunteer ops listed below - two ops for this month alone! And keep in mind that these ops will almost always fall on the 2nd Thursday and 3rd Friday of each month - so you should be able to plan ahead if you need to. YAY for volunteers!

JANUARY MEAL OPPORTUNITIES  
Here are the details for the meal serving ops this month:

• Thursday, January 12th - Men's Facility 
• We're back to our old shenanigans again this month. The menu hasn't been solidified yet, but we're excited to enjoy the meal with the guys again.
  
• Friday, January 20th - Women's Facility (AKA Joshua Center)
• Again - no idea on menu yet, but we've been thinking soup lately, so ummm... maybe soup will be on the menu? We need people willing to lead a craft, lead worship (guitars or keyboard - bring your own) and helpers in the kitchen.
  

As always, just let me know if you can make it to one or both of the serving ops so I can reserve a spot for you. And if you have any friends that are interested in Breakthrough or maybe they're just interested in kitchens, bring them too! The more, the merrier.

BIG SERVE SUCCESS! THANK YOU!
Both Big Serves were a smashing success! A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out or participated in any way. We seriously couldn't have done any of it without you! Thanks for all the effort and support to help make the guests at Breakthrough feel extra special and loved this Christmas season. You're the best!  :)

OUR WONDERFUL BLOG

Lastly, don't forget to stay updated on our blog: http://wcbreakthrough.blogspot.com/. This blog is an excellent reference for all the monthly email updates, as well as containing other volunteer opportunities as they become available. And this month it even has a couple of great pictures from the Men's Big Serve - even a super cute one of Don in his chef jacket. Awwwww - what's not to love?  ;)

Pictures from the Men's Big Serve - 12/20/11

One of our fabulous volunteers send over these pics from the Men's Big Serve this past month. (Thanks, Mark!)

We were able to get most of the volunteers into this picture, but still missing a few...

Don in his chef jacket, leading the kitchen effort.