"Transforming People & Communities from the Inside Out."
Events
Behind the Scenes Tour
Monday, September 13, 2010
Annual Benefit 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
BUILD Program
Thursday, September 16, 2010
published February 22, 2010
Lamar’s Network
Connections for a Lifetime
This is the second installment of our focus on Breakthrough’s Network Model. For the first article, an overview of the Model, click here.
Lamar’s life is headed somewhere great. Although the high school senior is still deciding about a future career, he knows one thing for certain. “I’m definitely going to college,” he says. “From the first day I walked into Breakthrough, I heard all the staff talking about how important it is to get a college education.”
In fact, Lamar has often heard this powerful piece of advice – and much more – from the adults he is closest with. Together, they make up a strong network of support that has helped alter the course of Lamar’s life. “They have a lot to do with where I am today and how I view the world. I give thanks to God for them,” he says, adding, “The connectedness has opened a lot of doors for me.”
Born and raised in East Garfield Park, Lamar grew up with challenges that often sidetrack his peers. The families in his neighborhood have a long history of being overlooked, both racially and socially. The landscape of abandoned buildings, cash advance stores and vacant lots echo the despair of generations.
Yet hope has always existed. Slowly, positive changes are coming to Chicago’s west side. Lamar is part of a new generation of young people who can make an impact, and he continues to grab hold of positive opportunities that come his way.
Many such occasions came about after Lamar was introduced to Breakthrough in the 6th grade. “My mom signed me up for the Summer Studies program,” he says. “I had a great time, I made friends, and I loved the staff.” From there, Lamar became an active participant in Breakthrough’s Youth & Family Services program. He played sports, attended Bible study and worked hard in the after-school program, eventually becoming a youth leader in the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement Program.
In that process, Lamar’s network took shape. “Some of the staff and volunteers I first met are still mentors to me today,” he says, and continues, “I have a lot of people in my life who teach me the kinds of things that I can’t always get from family or peers or friends. They give me advice, they’re available when I’m in need, and their different views have definitely helped shape my mindset.”
Lamar’s network also includes people that are not directly affiliated with Breakthrough. In the end, they all work together for his benefit. “Most everyone in my network has also built a relationship with my family. I know they care about my family,” he says.
Next month…meet a significant figure in Lamar’s network.