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Summary

Breakthrough is a nonprofit organization that partners with people to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity.

Tagline

Our mission begins and ends with people.

Quick Facts

150+

Staff

3,000+

Volunteers

8,000+

Engaged Participants

$14.1M

Annual Budget

Key Leaders

Yolanda Fields headshot

Yolanda Fields

Executive Director
Alex Cesario headshot

Alexandra Cesario

Chief Development Officer
Lisa Gwin headshot

Lisa Gwin

Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network
Cheron Massenburg headshot

Cheron Massonburg, BSN, RN

Chief Program Officer, Housing, Health and Wellness
Damien Morris headshot

Damien Morris

Chief Program Officer, Violence Prevention
John Smith headshot

John Smith

Chief Administrative Officer
Yolanda Fields headshot

Yolanda Fields

Executive Director

Yolanda Fields is the Executive Director of Breakthrough and a committed nonprofit and community leader. She started at Breakthrough as a volunteer in 2001 after seeking to make a positive impact following the events of September 11, 2001. Previously, Yolanda spent 10 years leading teams at a major telecommunications company. During her tenure at Breakthrough, Yolanda has led adult programs, which includes housing, homeless services, violence prevention, workforce development, behavioral health, and food access programs. She has walked alongside those experiencing homelessness and crisis, and her compassionate leadership has created a culture of dignity and respect for all. Yolanda resides on the West Side of Chicago and is also the Director of Women’s Ministry at New Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, located in East Garfield Park.

Started as a volunteer in 2002, started as the Director of Street Outreach in 2003

Learn more about Yolanda

Email:yfields@breakthrough.org

Phone:(773) 346-1713

Alex Cesario headshot

Alexandra Cesario

Chief Development Officer

As Chief Development Officer, Alexandra Cesario oversees fundraising and communications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Spanish from Loyola University Chicago and is skilled in nonprofit communications, fundraising, and management and uses those skills to extend dignity to all. She also completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Program with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2020. Alexandra has been with Breakthrough since 2013 and has previously overseen the organization’s grant portfolio and led marketing and communications efforts. Under her leadership, Breakthrough has grown to an annual revenue of $10 million. Alex resides in Humboldt Park with her husband and three daughters.

With Breakthrough since 2013

Email:acesario@breakthrough.org

Phone:(773) 346-1782

Lisa Gwin headshot

Lisa Gwin

Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network

Lisa Gwin, Chief Program Officer of the Breakthrough Youth Network (BYN), oversees the strategic vision, program operations, and staffing of the BYN. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Administration. Lisa lives in East Garfield Park and has worked in Breakthrough’s youth and education programs since 2001. She is well-respected in the community and was a founding leader of the Breakthrough Beginners early childhood education program. Under Lisa’s leadership, the program grew from an on-site daycare for a small group of children to an award-winning, high-quality preschool serving 80 students with a curriculum that regularly surpasses state standards.

With Breakthrough since 2001

Email:lgwin@breakthrough.org

Phone:(872) 444-8210

Cheron Massenburg headshot

Cheron Massonburg, BSN, RN

Chief Program Officer, Housing, Health and Wellness

As Chief Program Officer of Housing and Health and Wellness, Cheron Massonburg oversees the strategic vision, program policies, and staffing of Breakthrough’s Transitional and Permanent Housing programs, support centers, Behavioral Health services, and Fresh Market food pantry. She also ensures coordination with local agencies and organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a Registered Nurse (RN), Cheron brings valuable hands-on experience from the healthcare field to Breakthrough. Since she joined Breakthrough in 2001, Cheron has partnered with adults experiencing homelessness or crisis with compassion, collaborated with colleagues to foster friendly and caring environments, and led high-quality services accessed by more than 5,000 adults and families in Garfield Park annually.

With Breakthrough since 2001

Email:cmassonburg@breakthrough.org

Phone:(872) 444-8251

Damien Morris headshot

Damien Morris

Chief Program Officer, Violence Prevention

Damien Morris is the Chief Program Officer of Violence Prevention at Breakthrough and a leader for violence reduction in Chicago. Since he joined Breakthrough in 2008, he has led transitional housing initiatives, supported individuals experiencing homelessness through case management, and directed security at the Breakthrough FamilyPlex. Damien has been an integral part of the growth of Breakthrough’s Violence Prevention team. As CPO, he oversees comprehensive services for adults and adolescents: case management, outreach services, victim services, youth engagement, and safe space events. Hundreds of local residents access these services annually. In addition to the leadership he provides for Breakthrough’s team, he ensures coordination with partner institutions and organizations across the city.

With Breakthrough since 2008

Email:dmorris@breakthrough.org

Phone:(773) 346-1734

John Smith headshot

John Smith

Chief Administrative Officer

John Smith is the Chief Administrative Officer at Breakthrough and oversees financial operations, facility maintenance and construction planning, human resources, and information technology. Since 2002, he has used his skills to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Breakthrough’s programs. John has coordinated project financing, negotiation of public funding (Tax Increment Financing, New Market Tax Credits), and construction management for facility development projects including the Breakthrough Ministry Center (Jan 2008, $5 mil), Breakthrough Women’s Center and Breakthrough Fresh Market renovation (Fall 2014, $2 mil), and Breakthrough FamilyPlex (Winter 2014, $14.5M). Previously, John worked for the North Lawndale YMCA and as a youth pastor. John received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Huntington University in Indiana. His family resides in East Garfield Park.

With Breakthrough since 2002

Email:jsmith@breakthrough.org

Phone:(773) 346-1730

See our Staff Leadership Team

Board Chair

Derreck Robinson 1
President

Derreck Robinson

Member since 2019
Derreck Robinson 2

President

Derreck Robinson

National Managing Director, US Sales Leader, Deloitte

During his 29+ year career, Derreck has focused on leadership, culture creation, sales excellence, and commitment to serving the community. He is the National Managing Director and US Sales Leader of the Sales Executive Organization for Deloitte Consulting. He is a member of the Consulting Sales Excellence leadership team driving sales for all industries, offerings, alliances, and technologies. With responsibility for ~$5 billion in sales for Deloitte Consulting, Derreck’s primary focus is the management, deployment, and development of 300+ sales professionals to drive winning business strategies. Derreck graduated from Drexel University in 1993 with degrees in Finance and Economics, and he currently serves on the board of Drexel University LeBow College of Business to open doors of education opportunity and equality to the next generation of leaders. Derreck has been named to Chicago United’s Business Leaders of Color and Crain’s Notable Black Leaders and Executives. Outside of work, Derreck enjoys spending time with his wife Melanie and their kids, Amber, Zachary, Camryn, and Brandon. Making a difference in the lives of others and a relentless focus on diversity and inclusion are what fuels his passion.

Why I am committed to Breakthrough:

Simply put, Breakthrough makes a difference! The intersection of the Breakthrough families, guests, staff, and volunteers to build connections, develop skills, and open doors of opportunity is a model that works. As a person who understands and was a direct recipient of community service, I have an immense sense of responsibility to give back. Breakthrough is irresistible, and I am drawn by the faith, love, and passion to serve the people of East Garfield Park.

See our Board

Founder

Arloa Sutter
(ar-LO-ah, s-UH-ter)

Dr. Arloa Sutter began Breakthrough in an unused church meeting room to serve coffee and lunch to those experiencing homelessness. By listening to the needs of the community, Arloa’s vision became clear. Over 25 years later, Breakthrough stands as a center of hope for community residents and families on Chicago’s West Side.

Hyperlocal Focus

Breakthrough KEY CONCEPTS Hyperlocal Focus icon

Breakthrough has a hyperlocal focus in the Garfield Park community on the West Side of Chicago.

Locations

Men's Center

402 N St Louis Ave

(773) 346-1785

Intake/ Support Center Hours
Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm
except 3rd Tuesdays and major holidays
Notary available

Fresh Market

3334 W Carroll Ave

(872) 444-8260

Tuesday, 2-4pm
Thursday, 10am-2pm
Saturday, 10am-noon
Produce Day every 4th Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm

Women's Center

3330 W Carroll Ave

(773) 722-0179

Intake/ Support Center Hours
Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm
except 3rd Tuesdays and major holidays
Notary available

FamilyPlex

3219 W Carroll Ave

(872) 444-8200

Monday-Friday, 7am-10pm
Saturday, 9am-4pm
Sunday: Closed

Violence Prevention Center

214 N Homan Ave

(773) 475-6728

Press Releases

Chicago Hoop Bus to Launch as City-wide Anti-Violence Tool

Jul 23, 2021

Yolanda Fields Appointed Executive Director

Feb 2, 2021

Derreck Robinson Appointed Board President

Apr 1, 2021

Media Contact

Lindsey Tollefson

Communications Coordinator

(773) 346-1780

ltollefson@breakthrough.org

402 N St. Louis, Chicago, IL, 60624

Social Media

@BreakthroughChicago

Follow on Facebook

@brkthru

Follow on Twitter

@brkthru

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