Benefit Banquet Breaks Fundraising Record

Thanks to our generous sponsors, donors and attendees, we exceeded our fundraising goal for the Making the Difference Benefit Banquet by more than $10,000, and are within $10,000 of meeting our annual fundraising goal for 2021. On October 1, we welcomed more than 300 people in fellowship and eight new sponsors including event sponsor, Victory Innovations to celebrate incredible milestones for the ministry, and heard powerful testimonies of transformation from our clients.

Major Milestones

Urbean Café workforce development program marked 10 years this summer, and has exceeded $5.5 million in economic impact to Summit County since its 2011 launch. More than 100 individuals have achieved workforce readiness and successful reentry through this unique Restorative Justice program.

And, the café’s less than two percent employee recidivism rate has saved Ohio taxpayers $2.6 million in direct costs. Urbean Café supports local vendors and serves some of the best, freshly made homestyle food in town to up to 600 customers a day. (Download our menu here.)

Lydia’s Home celebrated its four-year anniversary late this summer. Throughout the past four years, more than half of the 25 Lydia’s Home residents have graduated successfully from the program. Many have been reunited with their children and families, obtained full-time employment, and become active members of the community and a local church family. They have worked hard to reinstate driver’s license, purchase vehicles, secure stable housing and insurance, and have ultimately transformed their lives through the Lydia’s Home program. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we have seen the Lord work wonders in the lives of our residents. (Learn more, and get the latest news on the opioid crisis here.)

Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency

Broken Chains Ministry has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. Guidestar is one of the leading independent nonprofit governance and accountability organizations in the world. This is the highest seal of transparency awarded to a nonprofit organization, and such recognition reflects our values and is consistent with our mission to serve the public good through faith-centered restorative justice programs and services.

Thank you to all of the attendees, as well as community leaders and partners, and Guy’s Party Centre for making this event spectacular. If you were unable to attend, consider making a love gift to support our ministry, and watch for the Wayside Matching Gifts Campaign coming Thanksgiving weekend.