Breakthrough

Youth Development (Youth)The Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN) is Breakthrough's youth development and academic enrichment program area serving over 1000 youth & families annually. Each year, the BYN runs five core programs: (1) Breakthrough Beginners (early childhood education for ages 3-5), (2) the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program (afterschool and summer academic enrichment), (3) the Art and Science Academy (interactive and engaging STEAM opportunities), (4) the Breakthrough Sports and Fitness Academy (year-round sports offerings for hundreds of youth), and (5) Breakthrough Beyond (high school and post-secondary programs). The vision of the BYN is to partner with youth and families so that Garfield Park becomes a place where success becomes the norm and families thrive.

Violence Prevention (Community Residents)Breakthrough provides a long-term, comprehensive approach to reducing violence in Chicago. Through prevention, intervention, and restoration, Breakthrough's Violence Prevention team works year-round to increase hope in the community by creating opportunities for residents most at risk of violence to pursue a safe, stable, and engaged East Garfield Park. Direct interventions include street-level response to violence, case management, services for individuals re-entering the community, support and crisis services for victimes of violence, and public events that promote alternatives to violence.

Housing (Adults impacted by homelessness)Housing services includes (1) a daytime drop-in center for adults impacted by homelessness, (2) a robust transitional housing program, and (3) permanent supportive housing. The goal of this service area is to move guests from crisis to stability and on to contributing to a healthy west side of Chicago. These three core areas are enhanced by critical wraparound services, including case management, wellness coaching, and on-site behavioral and medical health care programs. Each year, Breakthrough serves in excess of 800 homeless individuals.

Economic OpportunityBreakthrough's Community Economic Development program provides education, work experience, and supportive services so that individuals increase skills, gain and retain employment, and access to resources and opportunities that promote individual economic stability, wealth creation, and a community of strong contributors and leaders. Breakthrough provides services in the areas of Employment, Financial Coaching, Income Support, Housing, and Entrepeneurship that meet residents where they are at on their personal financial journey.

Hunger Relief (Community Residents)Breakthrough provides the Fresh Market, a client-choice food pantry, to over 10,000 families each year. In addition to providing fresh food four times each week, the Fresh Market is an entry point for community residents wishing to access other services, such as financial literacy, nutrition workshops, public benefits, and health screenings. Food for the Fresh Market is provided in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Volunteer EngagementBreakthrough engages over 3,000 volunteers each year through a variety of individual, group, and event opportunities to support Breakthrough's programs.