It is easy to see a community like East Garfield Park for its deficit statistics such as…

1. Median income is at 30% of the overall City of Chicago average.

2. The unemployment rate is triple the city average.

3. A high proportion of families are headed by single females. 

4. The age distribution is skewed to the younger end of the range with 40% of inhabitants under age 19.

Breakthrough Urban Ministries see these statistics as a PORTION of the reality. We also know the East Garfield Park neighborhood is filled with potential. Young people possess talent and dreams that only God can give. Older residents possess a great depth of wisdom from both informal and formal education.  This knowledge, along with the dreams and talent of the younger generation, is a powerful combination that can unleash the potential of our community.  

What do we love about our community?

Neighbors regularly sit on each others’ porches providing friendship and comfort. In fact, many individuals often demonstrate love and concern for their neighbors. East Garfield Park is home to several positive role models, who, for years, have influenced the neighborhood and give sacrificially of their household income to meet the needs of extended family.

Many residents catch public transportation to their places of employment. They work hard, and many with families work multiple jobs to pay the bills and still try to find time to be at home with their children. We are in relationship with several young people who have hopes of attending college.

Turning potential into reality...

Despite the best intentions and big dreams of our friends and neighbors, there are significant negative influences to overcome. By building healthy relationship networks, growing the skills of the men, women and children, and promoting the transfer of wisdom to our younger generation, Breakthrough continues participation in the development of the God-given potential of the East Garfield Park community.  

We are honored and blessed to live and work alongside the people of East Garfield Park. We invite you to get to know them and join us as partners in the process of learning together!