Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN)
Bill joined Breakthrough in 2000 to help build its programming in the Breakthrough Youth Network. Bill has a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's degree in Nonprofit Administration. He was also a part of the 2010 cohort of Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC), which immerses individuals in the major socioeconomic issues facing Chicago. Bill and his wife have lived in East Garfield Park since their involvement with Breakthrough began, raising their three children in the community.
Breakthrough’s Centers have offered overnight beds and access to services during the day for individuals in crisis, including food, clothing, showers, and other basic needs. Already serving 1,200 individuals each year, the program immediately saw an increased need.
The Fresh Market food pantry began distributing prepared bags of groceries to hundreds of families each week, seeing a sustained 60 percent increase in addition to the regular shoppers.
The violence prevention team continued to respond to instances of violence, as well as to provide and inform residents of crucial resources.
Breakthrough’s education programs, which serve 1,200 students annually, have provided virtual learning, curbside pick-up meals, parent partnerships, and essential needs to students and families in the community.
