storefront exterior of Breakthrough's first location in 1992

1992


BREAKTHROUGH FOUNDED ON NORTH SIDE OF CHICAGO

Arloa Sutter begins to serve coffee to adults experiencing homelessness, inspiring a movement to serve the city’s most vulnerable.

1993


CLEANSTREET JOBS PROGRAM LAUNCHES

men and women smiling and participating in Cleanstreet program in 1993
man talking on phone at Breakthrough overnight program in 1995

1995


FIRST HOUSING PROGRAM FOR MEN

This program is the catalyst for Breakthrough’s housing initiatives.

2000


WOMEN'S CENTER OPENS AND PROGRAMING EXPANDS TO SERVE YOUTH & FAMILIES IN EAST GARFIELD PARK

Breakthrough grows programs for homeless adults and responds to the needs of the community through providing education and youth development activities

exterior of Breakthrough Women's Center in 2000
exterior of Breakthrough Men's Center in 2008

2008


MEN'S CENTER GRAND OPENING

Breakthrough’s growth becomes focused on a 40-block zone

2009


BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM LAUNCHES

doctor taking woman's blood pressure
woman sitting at table at Breakthrough Women's Center

2010


PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING EXPANSION

2014


NEW FRESH MARKET FACILITY OPENS

Fresh Market has its own space after five years of serving food to the community

shelves of food and boxes of produce at Breakthrough Fresh Market
FamilyPlex exterior at dusk

2015


FAMILYPLEX GRAND OPENING

Inspired by local teens, the FamilyPlex is realized and is the catalyst to expand youth programs

2016


FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM LAUNCHES

man and boys assembling bed frame while setting up bedroom
youth playing basketball at neighborhood park

2017


VIOLENCE PREVENTION INITIATIVE BEGINS

2019


VIOLENCE PREVENTION CENTER OPENS

Breakthrough Violence Prevention Center staff working at desks
Yolanda Fields Speaking

2021


YOLANDA FIELDS BECOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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