Please use the following language and resources as you speak about Breakthrough.
Summary
Breakthrough is a nonprofit organization that partners with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity.
Tagline
Our mission begins and ends with people.
Quick Facts
140+
Staff
3,000+
Volunteers
13,000+
Engaged Participants
$9.1M
Annual Budget
Key Leaders

Yolanda Fields
Executive Director
Wilonda Cannon
Senior Director, Community Economic Development
Alexandra Cesario
Senior Director, Development
Lisa Gwin
Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network
Cheron Massonburg, BSN, RN
Chief Program Officer, Housing, Health and Wellness
Damien Morris
Senior Director, Violence Prevention
John Smith
Chief Administrative Officer
Yolanda Fields
Executive Director
Started as a volunteer in 2002, started as the Director of Street Outreach in 2003
Email:yfields@breakthrough.org
Phone:(773) 346-1713

Wilonda Cannon
Senior Director, Community Economic Development
With Breakthrough since 2014
Email:wcannon@breakthrough.org
Phone:(773) 346-1745

Alexandra Cesario
Senior Director, Development
With Breakthrough since 2013
Email:acesario@breakthrough.org
Phone:(773) 346-1782

Lisa Gwin
Chief Program Officer, Breakthrough Youth Network
With Breakthrough since 2002
Email:lgwin@breakthrough.org
Phone:(872) 444-8210

Cheron Massonburg, BSN, RN
Chief Program Officer, Housing, Health and Wellness
Email:cmassonburg@breakthrough.org
Phone:(872) 444-8251

Damien Morris
Senior Director, Violence Prevention
With Breakthrough since 2008
Email:dmorris@breakthrough.org
Phone:(773) 346-1734

John Smith
Chief Administrative Officer
With Breakthrough since 2002
Email:jsmith@breakthrough.org
Phone:(773) 346-1730
Board Chair

Derreck Robinson
Member since 2019
President
Derreck Robinson
Managing Director & National Sales Leader, Deloitte
Derreck has over 25 years of leadership, management, delivery ,and sales experience, and he has over 19 years of experience focused in professional services and consultative selling. Upon graduating from Drexel University in 1993 with degrees in Finance and Economics, Derreck has worked for JPMorgan Chase, Siemens, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and IBM. He has held various national and regional leadership roles since joining Deloitte in 2007. Today, Derreck is the National Sales Director for the ServiceNow offering and provides oversight for five additional market offerings managing sales teams that deliver more than $250 million annually. Derreck is a Corporate Citizen of the Year nominee for the Executives’ Club of Chicago. 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. Oh! Derreck is also an avid Philadelphia sports team fan – Go Eagles!
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.
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.
40 Block Zone

Breakthrough focuses on a 40-block zone within the East Garfield Park community on the West Side of Chicago.
Locations
Men's Center
402 N St Louis Ave
Intake/ Support Center HoursMonday-Friday, 9am-3pmexcept 3rd Tuesdays and major holidaysNotary available
Fresh Market
3334 W Carroll Ave
Tuesday, 2-4pmThursday, 10am-2pmSaturday, 10am-noonProduce Day every 4th Tuesday, 10:30am-12:30pm
Women's Center
3330 W Carroll Ave
Intake/ Support Center HoursMonday-Friday, 9am-3pmexcept 3rd Tuesdays and major holidaysNotary available
Press Releases
Apr 1, 2021
Media Contact
Lindsey Tollefson
Communications Coordinator
402 N St. Louis, Chicago, IL, 60624