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Operation Breakthrough

Kansas City, MO

March 23rd-31st, 2013 

 


Operation Breakthrough

Operation Breakthrough is the Missouri's largest day care center.  Its mission is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment.  This organization provides day care, meals, Children’s Mercy Clinic, a dental clinic, speech therapy, play therapy, housing assistance, food and clothing to children and families of the inner city of Kansas City. Operation Breakthrough also strives to support and empower the children's families through advocacy, referral services and emergency aid.

Operation Breakthrough cares each weekday for more than 600 children, ages 6 weeks to 18 years. More than 98% of the enrolled families live below the federal poverty guidelines, most far below them.

About 25% of the children are homeless or near homeless, living in battered women's or homeless shelters or transitional living programs. Often they sleep on the sofas of friends or relatives, sometimes even living in cars, rundown hotels or abandoned buildings. About 25% of our children are in foster care or other placements due to abuse, neglect or other family crises. The average income of our families is $9,400.

 

What to Expect:

  • Cost: Each ABE trip costs $325.
  • Travel: The group will travel to, from, and around Kansas City by mini bus.
  • Lodging: Our groups have been graciously housed by Plattewoods Church.  Other arrangements may be made with other churches in the surrounding area.
  • Food: Meals are provided by the center as well as at the church during the duration of the trip.
  • Work: The week is spent working with children living in poverty.  You will help provide them with a safe, loving, and nurturing environment by reading with the children, doing crafts, and working with groups.
  • Extra Fun!: Exploring Kansas City and the surrounding area!
  • Focus: Children, poverty, community, solidarity.

 

Interested in applying to co-lead or participate on the Operation Breakthrough trip?  Apply here to co-lead or here to participate!

Please note: $100 due with acceptance of a position!

Any questions about this trip can be directed to Alternative Break Experiences at abe@csbsju.edu

 

ABE Spring Trip

Packing List

Operation Breakthrough Itinerary

Special Points of Interest:
  • Working with inner city children
  • Education
  • Children's Issues
  • Advocacy
  • Social Justice
  • Poverty

From Past Participants:

"I knew that poverty is an issue in our society, but my experience with Operation Breathrough actually exposed me to the issue first hand."

-Katie Callahan 2012 participant

"Alternative Break Experience is a spring break adventure I would recommend all students participate in AT LEAST once! It is unforgettable!"

-2012 participant