Friends of Breakthrough gathered at our Annual Benefit on October 12 to learn about and support our holistic services in Garfield Park. The event featured a photo gallery; a jazz band; a panel with experts in the areas of education, violence prevention, and mental health; and remarks from our Executive Director Yolanda Fields. Each part of the evening helped us understand how Breakthrough’s unique, integrated approach responds to the different needs our neighbors have expressed and the power of our services to transform lives. 

Annual Benefit Raises Funds to Support Breakthrough's Mission 1
Annual Benefit attendees look at photos and read stories from our neighbors in the gallery.
Annual Benefit Raises Funds to Support Breakthrough's Mission 2
The panel conversation included Jadine Chou, Chief of Safety and Security, Chicago Public Schools; Adam Claus, LCSW, Clinical Complex Care Director, Lawndale Christian Health Center; and Kim Smith, Director of Programs, University of Chicago Crime and Education Labs.
Annual Benefit Raises Funds to Support Breakthrough's Mission 3
Executive Director Yolanda Fields gives remarks at the Annual Benefit.

“We are working for our community to ensure that everyone is safe and has a place to call home, that students are well and prepared for the next level, that no one is hungry, and wealth is built,” said Yolanda Fields. “Doing this in an integrated form, Breakthrough seeks out the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.”

Thanks to the generosity of so many, Breakthrough met our $1M goal for the Annual Benefit. If you have not given yet, you can still join our collective work and help us impact thousands of lives in the Garfield Park neighborhood. All of us have a unique role to play in this work. Make a donation at breakthrough.org/benefit. All first-time gifts are matched.

Click here to view the 2023 Annual Benefit photo album.