I’m excited to announce that
Operation Breakthrough has been named the inaugural Building Community Award Winner and is the recipient of the $62,000 grant from the Opus Foundation®.
Based in Kansas City, Operation Breakthrough is a one-stop shop with innovative programming that serves more than 400 children daily and creates opportunities for families to thrive. The organization began in 1971 with four babies in Sister Berta and Sister Corita’s living room. Today, it provides programs for children from birth to age 13.
Operation Breakthrough’s mission is to prepare children for success in school and empower their parents to become self-sufficient, engaged caregivers. Nationally-accredited early learning, after-school and summer programs focus on academic achievement and healthy character development.
On-site healthcare and a host of therapeutic interventions for those suffering from trauma or developmental delays are also provided. Knowing that children won't reach their full potential without a strong start, Operation Breakthrough also provides health and emergency services, housing/employment assistance, parenting classes and other support.
I learned about Operation Breakthrough while volunteering with my children through a school service program. Since then, my wife and I have also volunteered at their annual summer fundraising event. I like that Operation Breakthrough goes beyond providing programs for the children they serve by supporting the entire family with counseling and social services. Their on-site dental and medical services and a small food pantry provide necessary assistance to their families. While many of the families are homeless, the children Operation Breakthrough serves are provided a stable, consistent, learning and nurturing environment.
Congratulations to Operation Breakthrough and the eight remaining finalists who each received a $1000 grant from the Opus Foundation®.
Learn more about
Operation Breakthrough and the
Building Community Award.
Above:
The Kansas City team presents Sister Berta Sailer with a check for $62,000. From left, Ryan Hackenmiller, Shawn Turner, Oscar Healy, Sister Berta, Megan Garner, John Gagnon and Gary Schuberth.
Outreach: The Building Community Award far surpassed our expectations. Check out the final numbers.
In partnership with the Opus Foundation, in 2015 we launched the Gerry Rauenhorst Building Community Award to honor our founder's legacy of giving and celebrate our history.
Learn about the recent award.