Founded in 1990, Project Break-Through, based in Minneapolis , MN , [1] is an outcome oriented program administered by the Salvation Army that strives to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, and reduce isolation through mentoring and ongoing support.   The program uses a holistic approach with the overall goal of empowering participants.   It is designed to address isolation and the difficulty of navigating the social service delivery system-- two major barriers that can block the path to self-sufficiency and meaningful change. Mentors and   social workers help participants develop plans for attaining their goals, advocate for the family within the community, and promote opportunities for the family to become better connected to the community.   Families set their own goals and determine the pace at which they will work.

Program Goals and Objectives

The program matches families working to break out of the poverty cycle with teams of two to four adult mentors who can offer emotional and practical support.   Mentors serve to strengthen each participating family unit by helping them to identify individual goals and resources that promote self-sufficiency. The program also provides intensive case management by licensed social workers who help families connect with the resources that will best meet the specific needs they identify.  

Another focal point of the program is the monthly support group designed to allow families with similar goals to meet and learn from each other and to discuss topics such as “self esteem,” “building healthy relationships, ” “money management,” “positive parenting,” “home buying,” “healthy eating on a budget” and others.

Profile of Families Served

To date, the program has served 257 families, with a current caseload of 51 families and 80-100   on a waiting list. To be eligible,,families must have children, make at least a one year commitment, not currently be dependent on drugs or alcohol, and demonstrate a desire to work on self-improvement goals. Families are often in the program for two years or more.

              Demographics of Persons Served [2]

•  Gender:   58% female, 42% male

•  Age:   0-14, 56.3%; 15-19, 11.3%; 20-65+, 32.5%; Average age of adult participant, 34.8

•  Race and Ethnicity: African American (46.7%); Caucasian/White (34.6%); Hispanic/Chicano/Latino (4.2%); Multiracial (11.3%); African descent (1.6%); Eastern European descent (1.6%)

•  Immigrants / Refugees served: 2.5%

•  Income:   Poverty level or below (82.9%); low income (13.3%); not low income (3.8%)

Household Characteristics

•  Single-parent headed households : 76.5%

•  Average number of children in family : 2.37

Profile of Mentors

In 2003, the program had a total of 31 volunteer mentors.   A required six hour training program includes an overview, communication skills, focusing on listening, and diversity training with an emphasis on understanding socioeconomic class issues.   Mentors receive ongoing support from staff social workers who meet with families every four to six weeks.   Mentors meet with staff social workers to discuss the family’s progress and receive ongoing direction about how best to   support the family. Mentors, like the families, are asked to make a one year commitment and usually continue so long as their particular   family stays involved in the program.

Community Partnerships

Project Break-Through collaborates closely with community agencies such as Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Housing Services program--“It’s All About the Kids” helps families find permanent housing near their children’s school and by referring families interested in working with mentors.   Referrals also come from the St. Paul Public Housing Agency’s Family Self Sufficiency program which supports economic independence and self-sufficiency by helping participants establish special savings accounts. Project Break-Through social workers make visits to community agencies regularly to better understand how families can access the available services. Staff social workers also attend community and networking meetings and make presentations to other agencies to ensure that the program and participants are familiar with and well connected to local resources.

Program Outcomes

Project Break-Through outcomes are quantified through exit surveys with participants and eliciting feedback from volunteer mentors    They evaluate the following three desired outcomes and measures:

Notable outcomes from the 2003 evaluation include:

•  70 percent of participants had a decrease in the usage of emergency services or did not use emergency services to meet their basic needs (shelter, clothing, food, utilities).

•  69 percent of participants attended/participated in three community outings during the year.

•  78 percent were able to identify at least three people they trust and would go to for guidance.

•  37 percent of participants increased their knowledge of parenting issues and their parenting skills

•  48 percent had increased self-esteem.

•  60 percent reported experiencing greater satisfaction with family relationships.

Contact

Jennie Miskowiec, MSW, LSW

Assistant Director, Twin Cities Social Services

The Salvation Army

Tel: (651) 746-3528

Jennie_Miskowiec@usc.salvationarmy.org

http://www.thesalarmy.com/help/pbt.html

[1] The program has since been replicated in Milwaukee , WI ; New Zealand , Janesville , WI; Flint , MI ; Fort Wayne , IN ; Buffalo , NY ; Old Orchard Beach , ME ; and Norfolk , VA. Replication of the Project Break-Through program is also underway in Madison , WI and is being considered by the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic in Chicago , IL .

[2] Data from 2003; 68 families served; 240 persons