Breaktime United

Breaktimes model centers around a 15-week purposeful transitional employment program called the double impact initiative. This program ensures that participants (associates) are (1) equipped with the job skills and financial stability they need for long-term success; (2) engaged in meaningful work in their community; and (3) empowered to see their own potential as a young person. We recruit young adults from other nonprofits providing transitional housing and case management, and following two weeks of cohort-based training, we co-fund the wages for associates to work at local nonprofits and community organizations for three months. Through this early intervention, Breaktime combats long-term chronic homelessness and supports young adults in becoming changemakers in their communities. Ultimately, the double impact initiative accomplishes two goals: launching the careers of young adults experiencing homelessness and empowering them through purposeful transitional employment that promotes the health and wellbeing of their communities. We believe in the power and potential of all young people to support their communities and believe that the opportunity to give back to others is just as transformative as the job itself. We hope to not only empower young adults with the pathways and financial resources to lead a stable life, but we also hope to empower young adults with the purpose and perspective to become changemakers in our community.