Nonprofit Group Helps Others “Breakthrough” Barriers

A local nonprofit organization you should know

At Christ Church we are committed to supporting organizations that make a positive impact on our communities. This article is the second in a series highlighting a few of our nonprofit partners – all of whom are focused on creating positive change in the world. We support 90 such organizations throughout the world, many of which are within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Breakthrough Urban Ministries, a domestic mission partner of Christ Church, provides residents challenged with poverty or other needs with resources and opportunities for self-improvement.

Based in East Garfield Park, for 26 years the nonprofit organization Breakthrough Urban Ministries has helped residents build connections, develop skills and find opportunities leading to a better quality of life for them and their families. Each year, Breakthrough works alongside more than 6,000 individuals, assisting with housing, education, violence prevention, food access, job training and spiritual formation.

This summer the organization awarded two $5,000 scholarships to two college students from the area. The Breakthrough Alumni Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors or current college students who participated in Breakthrough programming for more than four years. Preferred applicants maintain a 3.0 GPA and are in need of financial relief for their studies.

A local nonprofit organization you should know

At Christ Church we are committed to supporting organizations that make a positive impact on our communities. This article is the second in a series highlighting a few of our nonprofit partners – all of whom are focused on creating positive change in the world. We support 90 such organizations throughout the world, many of which are within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Scholars are granted $5,000 toward tuition, room and board and may reapply each year of their collegiate careers. According to Breakthrough officials, the scholarship is made possible through an anonymous donor, allowing Breakthrough to support scholars and future leaders of the community.

One of Christ Church’s core values professes the need to provide generous service to others. Breakthrough Urban Ministries offers a variety of opportunities for volunteers to serve, including a client-choice food pantry that provides groceries and various supplies to families in East Garfield Park. For information on service opportunities and to register, visit ChristChurch.us/ServeNear.

Breakthrough Urban Ministries, which is one of the 90 Christ-focused partnerships Christ Church supports annually, also provides access to health care through the Lawndale Christian Health Center, an onsite preschool, a fitness center and many additional services and programs.

For more information about Breakthrough Urban Ministries and a full listing of all their offerings, please visit breakthrough.org/programs. For more information on Christ Church, visit ChristChurch.us.